Adaptive cutting system

ABSTRACT

An adaptive cutting system is presented that facilitates cutting workpieces in new and different ways in a fun, easy, fast, accurate and safe manner. The system includes a benchtop having a grid of bench dog holes across its surface as well as a pair of table tracks embedded within its surface. An edge track extends around the benchtop and a pair of hinge members are connected to the edge tracks that also connect to a saw track that is movable between a raised and lowered position. The system also includes narrow rip stops, wide rip stops, bench dogs and a miter gauge all of which work in concert with the on-table features to facilitate on-table measurement and alignment of workpieces for performing cutting operations.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. Utility application Ser. No.17/127,318 which was filed on Dec. 18, 2020, which is a continuation ofU.S. Utility application Ser. No. 16/398,412 which was filed on Apr. 30,2019, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.62/664,460 which was filed on Apr. 30, 2018, the entirety of each ofwhich is incorporated herein fully by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates to a cutting system. More specifically andwithout limitation, this disclosure relates to a system for cutting woodand other materials in various configurations.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

A number of systems and devices have been developed for cutting wood andother materials. Common types of cutting systems include: band saws,circular saws, miter saws and table saws. Each of these sawconfigurations have their own unique benefits as well as their ownunique disadvantages and drawbacks.

Band saws are formed of a rotating saw blade that is formed in the shapeof a band or continuous loop. This blade is relatively narrow andtherefore band saws are tremendously well suited for cutting intricateshapes or features in both large and small pieces of material. Whileeffective in many applications, band saws suffer from manydisadvantages.

Namely, band saws are not well suited for making long straight cuts dueto the narrow configuration of the blade. In addition, due to the largeblade, band saws are generally large in stature which makes themstationary, and not portable, tools limited to use within the confinesof a workshop. In addition, band saw blades are generally expensive.Also, band saws generally have a slow through-put. Another disadvantageof band saws is that the blade can be easily moved by grains in the wooddue to the flexible nature and narrow width of the blade, which addsinaccuracy to straight cuts. For these reasons, band saws are not wellsuited or desirable for many cutting operations or many users.

Table saws are generally formed of a rotating blade that that sticksupward from a table top surface. Table saws are generally well suitedfor making straight cuts in pieces of plank material. While table sawscan be used with great precision to make straight cuts, table sawssuffer from many disadvantages.

Namely, due to the rotating blade sticking up from the table topsurface, table saws have a generally sinister appearance and thereforemany users are scared or intimidated by table saws. While some of thebad reputation table saws have is partially fiction, it is true that theexposed blade is very dangerous, especially when used by the noviceuser. Another disadvantage of table saws is that due to the fact thatthe blade protrudes from a table-top-like surface, table saws arerelatively large, heavy, complicated and expensive devices. Due to theirlarge size, table saws cannot be used in many settings or are notconvenient for use in many applications such as on a jobsite as they arenot very mobile or easy to set up on-site. Instead, table saws, likeband saws, are generally reserved for use within the confines of aworkshop. Yet another disadvantage of table saws is that they have atendency to kick-back material during cutting.

A kick back occurs when a piece of material binds between the rotatingblade and a guide surface or when a workpiece begins to twist or rotatewhile being cut. This often results in the blade pushing, kicking orthrowing the workpiece back toward the user, sometimes in a catastrophicmanner. Obviously this can be a very dangerous situation, not to mentiona very scary one.

Another disadvantage of table saws is that they can be very difficult touse when cutting large sheets of material because the entire piece ofmaterial must be moved, not to mention moved in a manner that preventsbinding and kick-back. If the piece of material is not precisely movedit can bind on the blade and kick back. Yet another disadvantage oftable saws is that they require a lot of skill and experience to fullyutilize the table saw in a safe manner. For these reasons, table sawsare not well suited or desirable for many cutting operations or manyusers.

Circular saws are generally formed of a handheld motor connected to arotating blade. Circular saws are relatively inexpensive, and unliketable saws, circular saws generally have a blade cover that at leasttries to protect the user from the blade when not in use. This bladecover provides at least the appearance of safety which makes many usersmuch more comfortable using a circular saw as opposed to a table saw.Also, due to their small size, circular saws are relatively easy to moveand operate. In addition, circular saws are easy to transport andtherefore circular saws are well suited for job-site use and are notconstrained to use only within a workshop.

While circular saws have many advantages, they also have manydisadvantages. Namely, due to their small size it is hard to accuratelycut small pieces of material with a circular saw. In addition, it isdifficult to make a long and straight cut with circular saws. Anotherdisadvantage to circular saws is that the blade guide often gets intothe way when a user is attempting to make a cut, which can cause thecutting operation to be less-safe and can cause the cutting operation tobe less accurate. Another disadvantage is because the blade rotatesupward through the workpiece circular saws tend to cause a great amountof tear out on the upper-positioned surface of the workpiece that iscut. For these and other reasons, despite their advantages, circularsaws suffer from many substantial disadvantages and limitations.

Miter saws are generally formed of a rotating saw blade that verticallypivots on a hinge and plunges toward a base and into and through aworkpiece placed on the base. Miter saws are particularly well suited tomake perpendicular cuts in smaller width workpieces that may be anywherefrom extremely long to extremely short. Miter saws also angularly pivotso as to facilitate a wide range of angular cuts. Miter saws can be usedto make highly precise and repeatable cuts. Miter saws are relativelyinexpensive, and unlike table saws, miter saws generally have a bladecover that at least tries to protect the user from the blade. Miter sawsare relatively portable.

While miter saws have many advantages, they also have manydisadvantages. Namely, miter saws cannot be used for cutting throughwide and/or thick workpieces. In addition, it is difficult to seeexactly where a cut is going to be made on a workpiece prior to makingthe cut, which leads to inaccurate cuts as well as delay in making thecuts. That is, there is no easily perceptible indication where the cutis going to be made on the workpiece prior to actually performing thecut. For these and other reasons, despite their advantages, miter sawssuffer from many substantial disadvantages and limitations.

As such, the prior art cutting systems suffer from many substantialdisadvantages including being: unsafe, inaccurate, large, expensive,hard to use, they have limited accuracy, they are hard to guide, andthey form low quality cuts, among many other disadvantages.

Therefore, for all the reasons stated above, and the reasons statedbelow, there is a need in the art for an improved adaptive cuttingsystem that provides functionalities and capabilities never beforepresent in a system.

Thus, it is a primary object of the disclosure to provide a guidedcircular saw system and method that improves upon the state of the art.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive cuttingsystem and method that is safe to use.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive cuttingsystem and method that is efficient to use.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive cuttingsystem and method that is relatively inexpensive.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive cuttingsystem and method that is capable of making long straight cuts.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive cuttingsystem and method that can be used to cut both large and small pieceseasily and accurately.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive cuttingsystem and method that is accurate.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive cuttingsystem and method that is efficient.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive cuttingsystem and method that provides precise alignment.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive cuttingsystem and method that can be used with workpieces with a wide range ofthicknesses.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive cuttingsystem and method that is easy to learn how to use.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive cuttingsystem and method that is relatively small in size and shape.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive cuttingsystem and method that provides the benefits of a circular saw and atable saw in a single device.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive cuttingsystem and method that holds workpieces in a firm and rigid manner.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive cuttingsystem and method that is easy to set up.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive cuttingsystem and method that is easy to take down.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive cuttingsystem and method that is formed of a minimum number of parts.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive cuttingsystem and method that is simple to use.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive cuttingsystem and method that is easier to use than prior art systems.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive cuttingsystem and method that is unique.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive cuttingsystem and method that provides new capabilities to existing tools.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive cuttingsystem and method that can be used with a replaceable benchtop.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive cuttingsystem and method that is high quality.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive cuttingsystem and method that has a robust design.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive cuttingsystem and method that has a long useful life.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a guided circular sawsystem and method that provides accurate and clean cuts.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive cuttingsystem and method that helps prevent chip tear-out.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive cuttingsystem and method that is durable.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive cuttingsystem and method that saves time.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive cuttingsystem and method that is fun to use.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive cuttingsystem and method that can be used with workpieces of practically anymaterial.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive cuttingsystem and method that is easily portable and can be used on a job site.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive cuttingsystem and method that makes it easier to measure for cuts.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive cuttingsystem and method that makes measuring more repeatable than prior artsystems.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive cuttingsystem and method that reduces or eliminates the need for a helper whenmaking cuts.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an adaptive cuttingsystem and method that provides support for both sides of the workpieceafter a cut.

These and other objects, features, or advantages of the disclosure willbecome apparent from the specification, figures and claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An adaptive cutting system is presented that facilitates cuttingworkpieces in new and different ways in a fun, easy, fast, accurate andsafe manner. The system includes a benchtop having a grid of bench dogholes across its surface as well as a pair of table tracks embeddedwithin its surface. An edge track extends around the benchtop and a pairof hinge members are connected to the edge tracks that also connect to asaw track that is movable between a raised and lowered position. Thesystem also includes narrow rip stops, wide rip stops, bench dogs and amiter gauge all of which work in concert with the on-table features tofacilitate on-table measurement and alignment of workpieces forperforming cutting operations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adaptive cutting system, the viewshowing a benchtop having a grid pattern of bench dog holes across theupper surface of the benchtop, the view showing edge tracks extendingaround the exterior peripheral edge of the benchtop, the view showing apair of table tracks extending across the benchtop in parallel spacedrelation to one another, the view showing the benchtop in an uprightposition supported upon two pairs of legs and cross braces, the viewshowing a hinge member connected to an edge track, the view showing astand and wheels connected to the one end of the benchtop;

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the adaptive cutting system shownin FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the adaptive cutting system shownin FIG. 1, the view showing the stand in a lowered position as opposedto a raised position;

FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the adaptive cutting system shownin FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an elevation view of an end of the adaptive cutting systemshown in FIG. 1, the view showing grooves in the edge tracks, the viewshowing an alignment receiver in the benchtop;

FIG. 6 is another elevation view of an end of the adaptive cuttingsystem shown in FIG. 1, the view showing the opposite end as is shown inFIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is another perspective view of the adaptive cutting system shownin FIG. 1, the view showing one pair of legs in a folded position andthe stand in a raised position with the wheels supporting an end of thebenchtop;

FIG. 8 is another perspective view of the adaptive cutting system shownin FIG. 1, the view showing both pairs of legs in a folded position andthe stand in a raised position with the wheels supporting an end of thebenchtop;

FIG. 9 is another perspective view of the adaptive cutting system shownin FIG. 1, the view showing the bottom side of the configuration shownin FIG. 8, the view showing the two pairs of legs in a folded positionand latched in place, the view showing mounting plates of hinge membersconnected to the edge tracks at the ends of the benchtop;

FIG. 10 is a bottom elevation view of the configuration shown in FIG. 9,the view showing the mounting plates removed;

FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of the configuration shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is an end elevation view of the configuration shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is an end elevation view of the configuration shown in FIG. 9,the view showing the opposite end of that shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of the configuration shown in FIG.9;

FIG. 15 is another bottom perspective view of the configuration shown inFIG. 9;

FIG. 16A is a side elevation view of a standard bench dog, the viewshowing the bench dog having a lower section that is cylindrical inshape that is connected to an upper section that is also cylindrical inshape, the upper section having a larger diameter than the lowersection, the view showing the lower section and the upper section havinga shared central axis, the view showing the step between the lowersection and the upper section extending outward from the central axis ina perpendicular manner or said another way there is a flat shoulder atthe intersection between the lower section and the upper section; theview showing the lower edge of the lower corner having a chamfered edgeto facilitate insertion into a bench dog of the benchtop;

FIG. 16B is a perspective view of the bench dog shown in FIG. 16A;

FIG. 16C is an elevation view of a narrow or short bench dog similar tothat shown in FIG. 16A, the view showing that the upper section isvertically narrower than the bench dog shown in FIG. 16A;

FIG. 16D is a perspective view of the narrow or short bench dog shown inFIG. 16C;

FIG. 17 is a perspective close-up view of a portion of the benchtopshown in FIG. 1, the view showing the benchtop having a grid pattern ofbench dogs therein, the view showing a pair of table tracks insertedwithin the benchtop, the view showing the table tracks having acentrally positioned upwardly facing groove with a downward facinggroove on each side of the centrally positioned groove, the view showingmeasuring grooves positioned on each outward side of the table trackthat face upward, the view showing lock members exploded off of the endsof the table tracks;

FIG. 18 is a close-up perspective view of an end of the table trackshown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is another perspective view of the table track shown in FIG. 17,the view showing the lock member connected to the end of the table trackand positioned within the benchtop;

FIG. 20 is a top elevation view of a portion of the benchtop shown inFIG. 17, the view showing the lock member connected to the end of thetable track and positioned within the benchtop;

FIG. 21 is another perspective view of a portion of the benchtop shownin FIG. 17, the view showing measuring members positioned within themeasuring grooves of the table tracks;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a lock member shown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 23 is a side elevation view of a hinge member and saw track that isconfigured to connect to an edge track of the benchtop shown in FIG. 1,the view showing a mounting plate with an end plate connected to themounting plate, the view showing a saw track connected to the upper endof the end plate by a first hinge, center member and second hinge, theview showing a chip strip extending outward from a cutting side of thesaw track that forms the cutting edge, the view showing the chip striphaving a hard upper layer and a softer lower layer that has a highcoefficient of friction;

FIG. 24 is another side elevation view of the hinge member and saw trackthat is configured to connect to an edge track of the benchtop as isshown in FIG. 23, the view showing the other side of the hinge memberand saw track as is shown in FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a front elevation view of the hinge member and saw track thatis configured to connect to an edge track of the benchtop as is shown inFIG. 23;

FIG. 26 is a bottom perspective view of the hinge member and saw trackthat is configured to connect to an edge track of the benchtop as isshown in FIG. 23, the view showing the recesses of the cord managerconnected to an end of the saw track; the view showing the second hingeconnected to the bottom surface of the saw track and the center memberconnecting the second hinge to the end plate;

FIG. 27 is a top perspective view of the hinge member and saw track thatis configured to connect to an edge track of the benchtop as is shown inFIG. 23,

FIG. 28 is a close up bottom perspective view of one end of the hingemember and saw track that is configured to connect to an edge track ofthe benchtop as is shown in FIG. 23, the view showing the end of the sawtrack that has the cord manager connected to the saw track as is shownin FIG. 26;

FIG. 29 is a front elevation view of the hinge member and saw track thatis configured to connect to an edge track of the benchtop as is shown inFIG. 23, the view showing the hinge member and saw track connected tothe edge track of a benchtop, the view showing the hinge members in araised and over center position so as to allow workpieces to be insertedunder and removed from below the saw track;

FIG. 30 is a top perspective view of the view shown in FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is a close up perspective view of a hinge member connect to anedge track of the benchtop shown in FIG. 1, the view showing a mountingplate with an end plate connected to the mounting plate, the viewshowing the saw track removed from the upper end of the end plate; theview showing the center member and second hinge in a raised position,the view showing the end plate in a fully raised position with respectto the mounting plate;

FIG. 32 is an exploded perspective view of the mounting plate shown inFIG. 31, the view showing the mounting plate removed from the edge trackof the benchtop, the view showing three fasteners that attach themounting plate to the groove of the edge track exploded from themounting plate, the view showing second protrusion formed of a singlesolid feature machined onto the exterior surface of the firstprotrusion;

FIG. 33 is a perspective exploded view of the hinge member that isconfigured to connect to an edge track of the benchtop as is shown inFIG. 23, the view showing the mounting plate exploded from the edgetrack, the view showing the end plate exploded from the mounting plate,the view showing the two exterior-positioned fasteners positioned withinthe groove of the edge track, the view showing the centrally-positionedfastener positioned within the mounting plate, the view showing thealignment feature of the mounting plate aligned with the alignmentreceiver of the benchtop;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the saw track upside down and placed onthe benchtop, the view showing the second hinge connected to the bottomsurface of the saw track and the end plate connected to the second hingeby a center member, the view showing the mounting plate attached to theedge track of the benchtop;

FIG. 35 is a perspective exploded view of the benchtop having an edgetrack positioned around the benchtop, the view showing a mounting plateconnected to the edge track, the view showing the end plate exploded offof the mounting plate, the view showing the saw track positioned on theupper surface of the benchtop and unconnected to the end plate;

FIG. 36 is a close up perspective view of a hinge member connect to anedge track of the benchtop shown in FIG. 31, the view showing a mountingplate with an end plate connected to the mounting plate, the viewshowing the saw track connected to the upper end of the end plate; theview showing the center member and second hinge in a raised position,the view showing the end plate in a fully raised position with respectto the mounting plate;

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the benchtop of FIG. 1 having a gridpattern of bench dogs in the upper surface of the benchtop, the viewshowing mounting plates connected to each end of the benchtop, the viewshowing bench dogs placed within calibration features in the forwardside of the benchtop with one bench dog adjacent each forward corner ofthe benchtop;

FIG. 38 another perspective view of the benchtop shown in FIG. 37 withbench dogs placed in the calibration holes, the view showing the sawtrack attached to the benchtop by end plates attached to mountingplates, the view showing the saw track in a calibration position whereinthe cutting edge is placed against the bench dogs placed in thecalibration features;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the benchtop shown in FIG. 1, the viewshowing mounting plates connected to edge tracks of the benchtop, theview showing end plates connected to the mounting plates, the viewshowing the saw track connected to the mounting plates, the view showingthe end plates in a fully raised position, the view showing the sawtrack in a fully raised position upon center members and second hingesof the end plates;

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the benchtop shown in FIG. 1, the viewshowing mounting plates connected to edge tracks of the benchtop, theview showing end plates connected to the mounting plates, the viewshowing the saw track connected to the mounting plates, the view showingthe end plates in a lowered raised position, the view showing the sawtrack in a lowered raised position upon center members and second hingesof the end plates, the view showing a plunge cut saw positioned on thesaw track;

FIG. 41 another perspective view of the benchtop shown in FIG. 1, theview showing a configuration similar to that shown in FIG. 40, the viewadditionally showing a workpiece placed under the saw track and the sawtrack placed on top of the upper surface of the workpiece, the viewshowing the workpiece positioned against three bench dogs, one under thesaw track near the cutting edge and two positioned rearward of the sawtrack, the bench dogs positioned on a side of the workpiece opposite thecutting direction, the view showing an example of how a perpendicularcut is performed using the system, the view showing the portion of theworkpiece rearward of the saw track fitting on the upper surface of thebenchtop;

FIG. 42 is another perspective view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 41;

FIG. 43 a perspective view of the benchtop shown in FIG. 1, the viewshowing a configuration similar to that shown in FIG. 41 with thedifference being the workpiece is much larger than the workpiece shownin FIG. 41 with a portion of the workpiece extending past the rearwardedge of the benchtop, this arrangement shows that the workpiece will bemaintained in position after the cut is performed;

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the benchtop shown in FIG. 1, the viewshowing a configuration similar to that shown in FIG. 43 with thedifference being the workpiece is placed at a 45° angle to the cuttingedge as opposed to a perpendicular alignment, the view showing a narrowbench dog placed under the saw track near the cutting edge with twobench dogs placed rearward and at a 45° angle from the forward mostunder-track bench dog, the view showing an example of how the system isused to easily perform a 45° cut;

FIG. 45 is a perspective view of a narrow rip stop, the view showing thewide stop end of the narrow rip stop;

FIG. 46 is another perspective view of the narrow rip stop shown in FIG.45, the view showing the narrow stop end of the narrow rip stop;

FIG. 47 is a bottom elevation view of the narrow rip stop shown in FIG.45, the view showing the connection feature and structural features inthe bottom side of the narrow rip stop, the view also showing thefastener and head that connect the narrow rip stop to thecenter-positioned groove of the table tracks;

FIG. 48 is a side elevation view of the narrow rip stop shown in FIG.45;

FIG. 49 is a top elevation view of the narrow rip stop shown in FIG. 45;

FIG. 50 is a perspective view of a pair of narrow rip stops as shown inFIG. 45, the narrow rip stops connected by a connection member thatextends across and between the narrow stop ends of the narrow rip stops;

FIG. 51 is a bottom elevation view of the narrow rip stops connected bya connection member shown in FIG. 50;

FIG. 52 is a another perspective view of the narrow rip stops connectedby a connection member shown in FIG. 50;

FIG. 53 is a front elevation view of the narrow rip stops connected by aconnection member shown in FIG. 50;

FIG. 54 is a top elevation view of the narrow rip stops connected by aconnection member shown in FIG. 50;

FIG. 55 is an exploded perspective view of the narrow rip stopsconnected by a connection member shown in FIG. 50;

FIG. 56 is a close-up perspective view of the narrow rip stop shown inFIG. 45, the view showing the narrow rip stop connected to the centergroove of a table track, the view showing the narrow stop end of thenarrow rip stop facing forward toward the saw track;

FIG. 57 is another close-up perspective view of the narrow rip stop asshown in FIG. 56, the view showing the narrow rip stop connected to thecenter groove of a table track, the view showing the narrow stop end ofthe narrow rip stop facing forward toward the saw track;

FIG. 58 is a close-up perspective view of the narrow rip stop shown inFIG. 45, the view showing the narrow rip stop connected to the centergroove of a table track, the view showing the wide stop end of thenarrow rip stop facing forward toward the saw track;

FIG. 59 is a perspective view of a pair of narrow rip stops that arejoined together by a connection member as is shown in FIG. 50, the pairof narrow rip stops are placed on a benchtop and connected to a pair oftable tracks, the view shows the saw track in a raised position and theend plates attached to mounting plates which are attached to edge tracksof the benchtop in a lowered position;

FIG. 60 is a perspective view of the adaptive cutting system shown inFIG. 1, the view showing the legs in an extended position, the viewshowing a large sheet workpiece placed on the upper surface of thebenchtop with the free end of the workpiece supported by a stand;

FIG. 61 is a perspective view of the adaptive cutting system that issimilar to that shown in FIG. 60, the view showing a pair of narrow ripstops connected to the table tracks with the narrow stop end engagedwith the rear edge of the workpiece, the view showing the saw trackconnected to the benchtop by a pair of hinge members, the view showing asaw placed on the saw track, the view showing the free end of theworkpiece supported by a stand;

FIG. 62 is a perspective view of the adaptive cutting system that issimilar to that shown in FIG. 61, the view showing a pair of narrow ripstops connected to the table tracks with the wide stop end engaged withthe rear edge of the workpiece, the view showing the saw track connectedto the benchtop by a pair of hinge members, the view showing a sawplaced on the saw track, the view showing the free end of the workpiecesupported by a stand;

FIG. 63 is a perspective view of the adaptive cutting system that issimilar to that shown in FIG. 62, the view showing a single narrow ripstop connected a the table tracks with the wide stop end engaged withthe rear edge of the workpiece, the view showing the saw track connectedto the benchtop by a pair of hinge members, the view showing a sawplaced on the saw track, the view showing the free end of the workpieceunsupported and hanging forward off of the front edge of the benchtop,the view showing a pair of bench dogs engaged with an edge of theworkpiece on the side opposite of the cutting direction and rearward ofthe saw track, the view showing a single narrow rip stop positionedunder the saw track and engaged with the edge of the workpiece in adirection opposite the cutting direction;

FIG. 64 is a perspective view of the adaptive cutting system that issimilar to that shown in FIG. 63, the view showing a single narrow ripstop connected a the table tracks with the wide stop end engaged withthe rear edge of the workpiece, the view showing the saw track connectedto the benchtop by a pair of hinge members, the view showing a sawplaced on the saw track, the view showing the free end of the workpieceunsupported and hanging forward off of the front edge of the benchtop,the view showing a single bench dog engaged with an edge of theworkpiece on the side opposite of the cutting direction and rearward ofthe saw track, the view showing a single narrow rip stop positionedunder the saw track and engaged with the edge of the workpiece in adirection opposite the cutting direction;

FIG. 65 is a perspective view of a pair of narrow rip stops that arejoined together by a connection member as is shown in FIG. 50, the pairof narrow rip stops are placed on a benchtop and connected to a pair oftable tracks, the view showing the narrow stop end of the narrow ripstops and connection member placed under the saw track, the view showinga very small workpiece placed in engagement with the forward side of theconnection member between the narrow rip stops, the view showing anarrow bench dog placed under the saw track that is to be engaged withan edge of the workpiece that is opposite the cutting direction, theview showing a saw track in hidden lines attached to the benchtop by apair of hinge members, the view showing a saw attached to the saw track;

FIG. 66 is a perspective exploded view of a wide rip stop, the viewshowing an arm that is formed of an elongated bar having measuringindicia in its upper surface, the view showing a head to be connected tothe rearward end of the arm, the view showing a lock member having ahandle and a cam surface that is to be connected to the edge track of abenchtop positioned at the forward end of the arm that is configured tolock the arm in place;

FIG. 67 is a side elevation view of the wide rip stop and lock membershown in FIG. 66, the view showing the wide rip stop inserted within atable track of the benchtop, the view showing the lock member connectedto the edge track of the benchtop positioned below the wide rip stop,the view showing the cam surface of the lock member engaged with thelower surface of the arm of the wide rip stop;

FIG. 68 is a rear elevation view of the wide rip stop and lock membershown in FIG. 67, the view showing the wide rip stop inserted within atable track of the benchtop, the view showing the lock member connectedto the edge track of the benchtop positioned below the wide rip stop,the view showing the cam surface of the lock member engaged with thelower surface of the arm of the wide rip stop;

FIG. 69 is a top elevation view of the wide rip stop and lock membershown in FIG. 67, the view showing the wide rip stop inserted within atable track of the benchtop, the view showing the lock member connectedto the edge track of the benchtop positioned below the wide rip stop,the view showing the cam surface of the lock member engaged with thelower surface of the arm of the wide rip stop;

FIG. 70 is a rear perspective view of the wide rip stop and lock membershown in FIG. 67, the view showing the wide rip stop inserted within atable track of the benchtop, the view showing the lock member connectedto the edge track of the benchtop positioned below the wide rip stop,the view showing the cam surface of the lock member engaged with thelower surface of the arm of the wide rip stop;

FIG. 71 is another rear perspective view of the wide rip stop and lockmember shown in FIG. 67, the view showing the wide rip stop insertedwithin a table track of the benchtop, the view showing the lock memberconnected to the edge track of the benchtop positioned below the widerip stop, the view showing the cam surface of the lock member engagedwith the lower surface of the arm of the wide rip stop;

FIG. 72 is a top elevation view of the wide rip stop and lock membershown in FIG. 67, the view showing the wide rip stop inserted within atable track of the benchtop, the view showing the lock member connectedto the edge track of the benchtop positioned below the wide rip stop,the view showing the cam surface of the lock member engaged with thelower surface of the arm of the wide rip stop;

FIG. 73 is another rear perspective view of the wide rip stop and lockmember shown in FIG. 67, the view showing the wide rip stop insertedwithin a table track of the benchtop, the view showing the lock memberconnected to the edge track of the benchtop positioned below the widerip stop, the view showing the cam surface of the lock member engagedwith the lower surface of the arm of the wide rip stop;

FIG. 74 is a perspective view of the wide rip stop as is shown in FIG.66, the view showing the wide rip stop inserted within a table track ofthe benchtop, the view showing the stop surface of the head of the widerip stop engaged with the rearward edge of the workpiece well rearwardof the rearward edge of the benchtop, the view showing a pair of benchdogs engage with an edge of the workpiece opposite of the cuttingdirection positioned rearward of the saw track, the view showing asingle narrow bench dog engaged with an edge of the workpiece oppositeof the cutting direction positioned under of the saw track, the viewshowing a saw track connected to the benchtop by a pair of hingemembers, the view showing a saw connected to the saw track;

FIG. 75 is a perspective view of a pair of wide rip stops as is shown inFIG. 66, the view showing the wide rip stops inserted within tabletracks of the benchtop, the view showing the stop surfaces of the headsof the wide rip stops engaged with the rearward edge of the workpiecewell rearward of the rearward edge of the benchtop, the view showing asingle narrow bench dog engaged with an edge of the workpiece oppositeof the cutting direction positioned under of the saw track, the viewshowing a saw track connected to the benchtop by a pair of hingemembers, the view showing a saw connected to the saw track, the viewshowing the free end of the workpiece supported by a stand;

FIG. 76 is a top elevation view of a miter gauge that connects to thebenchtop shown in FIG. 1 through a pair of bench dogs that connect to apair of ears in the miter gauge;

FIG. 77 is a bottom elevation view of the miter gauge shown in FIG. 76;

FIG. 78 is a side elevation view of the miter gauge shown in FIG. 76;

FIG. 79 is perspective view of the miter gauge shown in FIG. 76;

FIG. 80 is another perspective view of the miter gauge shown in FIG. 76;

FIG. 81 is a perspective view of a miter gauge that connects to thebenchtop shown in FIG. 1 by connecting to a table track positionedwithin the benchtop;

FIG. 82 is an exploded perspective view of the miter gauge shown in FIG.81

FIG. 83 is another perspective view of the miter gauge shown in FIG. 76;

FIG. 84 is an exploded perspective view of the miter gauge shown in FIG.76;

FIG. 85 is a top perspective view of the miter gauge shown in FIG. 76used in association with the benchtop shown in FIG. 1, the view showingthe miter gauge attached to the benchtop by a pair of bench dogs, theview showing the miter gauge placed at an angle to the front edge of thebenchtop and cutting edge of the saw track, the view showing a workpiececonnected in flush alignment to the front stop surface of the stop armof the miter gauge, the view showing the front end of the stop arm ofthe miter gauge extending under the saw track a distance, the viewshowing the saw track connected to the benchtop by a pair of hingemembers, the view showing a saw connected to the saw track, the viewshowing the saw track in hidden lines;

FIG. 86 is a top elevation view of the miter gauge shown in FIG. 76 usedin association with the benchtop shown in FIG. 1, the view showing themiter gauge attached to the benchtop by a pair of bench dogs, the viewshowing the miter gauge placed at a perpendicular angle to the frontedge of the benchtop and cutting edge of the saw track, the view showinga workpiece connected in flush alignment to the front stop surface ofthe stop arm of the miter gauge, the view showing the front end of thestop arm of the miter gauge extending under the saw track a distance,the view showing the saw track connected to the benchtop by a pair ofhinge members, the view showing a saw connected to the saw track;

FIG. 87 is a top perspective view of the miter gauge shown in FIG. 81used in association with the benchtop shown in FIG. 1, the view showingthe miter gauge attached to the benchtop by a pair connections to thecenter-positioned groove of a table track, the view showing the mitergauge placed at an angle to the front edge of the benchtop and cuttingedge of the saw track, the view showing a workpiece connected in flushalignment to the front stop surface of the stop arm of the miter gauge,the view showing the front end of the stop arm of the miter gaugeextending toward but not under the saw track, the view showing the sawtrack connected to the benchtop by a pair of hinge members, the viewshowing a saw connected to the saw track, the view showing the saw trackin hidden lines;

FIG. 88 is a close-up top perspective view of the miter gauge shown inFIG. 81 used in association with the benchtop shown in FIG. 1, the viewshowing the miter gauge attached to the benchtop by a pair connectionsto the center-positioned groove of a table track, the view showing themiter gauge placed at a 45° angle to the front edge of the benchtop andcutting edge of the saw track, the view showing a calibration beingperformed wherein the front stop surface of the stop arm of the mitergauge is placed in flat and flush engagement with two bench dogspositioned at a 45° angle to the front edge of the benchtop and thecutting edge of the saw track, the view showing the front end of thestop arm of the miter gauge extending toward but not under the sawtrack, the view showing the pointer pointing to the precise reading onthe measuring indicia of the miter gauge;

FIG. 89 is a perspective view of a pair of brackets that are configuredto connect a support board to the benchtop shown in FIG. 1 by way ofconnection to an edge track connected to the benchtop;

FIG. 90 is a perspective view of the pair of brackets shown in FIG. 89connected to an edge track of the benchtop;

FIG. 91 is a perspective view of the pair of brackets shown in FIG. 89connected to an edge track of the benchtop, the view showing a pair ofsupport boards connected to the brackets and an extended benchtopsurface connected to the pair of support boards, the view showing thefree end of the support boards supported by saw horses;

FIG. 92 is a perspective top view of the benchtop shown in FIG. 1, theview showing a face frame being formed using a plurality of workpieceswith pocket holes therein to form pocket hole joints at theirintersections, the view showing a pair of stops connected to thebenchtop that support and align a corner of the face frame, the viewshowing a bench clamp connected to benchtop and clamping an intersectionof workpieces on a corner opposite from the corner supported by thestops, this view is a use case example of how the system may be used inapplications other than cutting by simply removing the saw track;

FIG. 93 is a close up perspective view of an end of a table track, theview showing the table tracks having a centrally positioned upwardlyfacing groove with a downward facing groove on each side of thecentrally positioned groove, the view showing measuring groovespositioned on each outward side of the table track that face upward, theview showing measuring members positioned within each of the measuringgrooves wherein the measuring members are measuring tapes that areadjustable within the measuring groves, the view showing one measuringmember for use when a narrow rip stop is used in an under-the-saw trackconfiguration and other measuring member for measuring when the rearwardedge of the workpiece is not under the saw track, the view also showinga mark for use when using a wide rip stop;

FIG. 94 is a close-up perspective view of the table track as is shown inFIG. 93, the view showing a narrow rip stop attached to the table track,the view showing the narrow stop end facing forward toward the saw trackfor a narrow cut;

FIG. 95 is a close-up perspective view of the table track as is shown inFIG. 93, the view showing a narrow rip stop attached to the table track,the view showing the wide stop end facing forward toward the saw trackfor a wider cut than what is shown in FIG. 94;

FIG. 96 is a top elevation view of the table track as is shown in FIG.93, the view showing a wide rip stop connected to the center-positionedgroove of the table top, the view showing the lock member positionedbelow the arm of the wide rip stop, the view showing the mark in ameasuring member where the measurement is to be taken on the arm of thewide rip stop to be calibrated to the cutting edge of the saw track;

FIG. 97 is a side elevation view of one side of a benchtop, the viewshowing the benchtop having a hinge member having a mounting plateconnected to an edge track of the benchtop, the view showing an endplate connected to the mounting plate, the view showing a saw trackconnected to the end plate, the view showing a biasing member positionedbetween the mounting plate and the end plate and configured to apply abias force forcing the end plate forward relative to the mounting plate;

FIG. 98 is a side elevation view of the opposite side of the benchtop asshown in FIG. 97, the view showing the opposite hinge member having abiasing member positioned between the mounting plate and the end plateand configured to apply a bias force forcing the end plate forwardrelative to the mounting plate;

FIG. 99 is a perspective view of FIG. 97;

FIG. 100 is a perspective view of a pair of brackets configured to beconnected to the edge track of a benchtop, the view showing the bracketshaving an adjustment member that is configured to adjust the height of asupport board received within the brackets, the view showing theleft-positioned bracket having a lowered adjustment member and theright-positioned bracket having a raised adjustment member;

FIG. 101 is a perspective view of a bracket shown in FIG. 100 about tobe installed in the groove of an edge track of the benchtop shown inFIG. 1, the view showing the bracket at an angled position with thelower end of the bracket rotated upward as the lock feature at the upperend of the bracket is angled toward the groove in the edge track;

FIG. 102 is a perspective view of a bracket shown in FIG. 101 the viewshowing the bracket at an angled position with the lower end of thebracket rotated upward as the lock feature at the upper end of thebracket is angled toward the groove in the edge track, the view showingthe lock feature inserted within the groove of the edge track;

FIG. 103 is a perspective view of a bracket shown in FIG. 102 the viewshowing the bracket lowered into a locked position with the lower end ofthe bracket rotated downward as the lock feature at the upper end of thebracket is inserted within the groove in the edge track.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown byway of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may bepracticed. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is tobe understood that other embodiments may be utilized and thatmechanical, procedural, and other changes may be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the disclosure(s). The following detaileddescription is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and thescope of the disclosure(s) is defined only by the appended claims, alongwith the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

As used herein, the terminology such as vertical, horizontal, top,bottom, front, back, end, sides, left, right, and the like arereferenced according to the views, pieces, parts, components and figurespresented. It should be understood, however, that the terms are usedonly for purposes of description, and are not intended to be used aslimitations. Accordingly, orientation of an object or a combination ofobjects may change without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

System:

With reference to the figures, an adaptive cutting system 10 (system 10)is presented. System 10 is formed of any suitable size, shape and designand is configured to facilitate the safe cutting of large and smallworkpieces in a quick, easy, safe, accurate and fun manner. In thearrangement shown, as one example, the adaptive cutting system 10 has atop side 12, a bottom side 14, a front side 16, a back side 18, a leftside 20 and a right side 22. In the arrangement shown, as one example,the adaptive cutting system 10 includes the following component pieces,among others: a benchtop 24, a saw track 26, a pair of hinge members 28,a plurality of bench dogs 32, stop members including narrow rip stops34, wide rip stops 36 and a miter gauge 38, a saw 40 and one or moreworkpieces 42, among other components.

Benchtop:

Adaptive cutting system 10 includes a benchtop 24. Benchtop 24 is formedof any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to provide aflat upper surface that is configured to support workpiece 42 during acutting operation as well as provide alignment and measurement for thecutting operation. With reference to FIGS. 1-15, in the arrangementshown, as one example, benchtop 24, when viewed from above or below isformed of a generally square or rectangular member, however any othershape is hereby contemplated for use.

Legs: In one arrangement, benchtop 24 is supported by a plurality oflegs 44. Legs 44 are formed of any suitable size, shape and design andare configured to support benchtop 24 at a desired height. In onearrangement, as is shown, four legs 44 support benchtop 24, with one leg44 positioned adjacent each corner, however any number of legs 44 arehereby contemplated for use. These legs 44 are connected in pairs bycross braces 46, with one pair of legs 44 positioned along each side ofthe benchtop 24. Each pair of legs 44 are connected to benchtop 44 by apair of hinged supports 48 that allow each pair of legs 44 to movebetween a folded position, wherein the pairs of legs 44 extend in agenerally parallel manner to the plane of benchtop 24 along its bottomside which facilitates easy storage, and an extended position, whereinthe pairs of legs 44 extend in a generally perpendicular manner to theplane of benchtop 24 which facilitates standing upright.

In an alternative arrangement, benchtop 24 is connected to a pluralityof non-folding legs 44, or a non-folding base, such as is thearrangement of most conventional tables. In an alternative arrangement,benchtop 24 rests upon another supporting member or members such as apair of saw horses, a frame member or any other supporting device orstructure.

Feet: In some applications it is important that benchtop 24 be flat,level and stable. To ensure a level and stable work surface, the lowerends of legs 44 include feet 50 that are adjustable. These adjustablefeet 50 allow the length of legs 44 to be adjusted so as to accommodatefor variations in the workshop floor so as to ensure a flat, level andstable work surface. In one arrangement, adjustable feet 50 are threadedinto the lower end of legs 44 so that adjustment may be easily made bysimply rotating the feet 50.

Handles: In one arrangement, in the example shown, one side of benchtop24, the left side of benchtop 24, includes one or more handles 52. Inthe arrangement shown, a handle 52 is connected to theforward-positioned leg 44 positioned a distance below benchtop 24 thatis collapsible. That is, this handle 52 folds between an extendedposition, wherein it extends outward from leg 44 in a horizontal mannerwhen leg 44 is itself in an extended position so that that the handle 52may be easily grasped, and a collapsed position, wherein the handle 52folds parallel to leg 44 so as to be out of the way. In the arrangementshown, a handle 52 is also connected to the rearward-positioned leg 44positioned a distance below benchtop 24 that is rigidly affixed. Thatis, this handle 52 remains in an extended position, wherein it extendsoutward from leg 44, and away from benchtop 24 in a generally horizontalmanner when the legs are in an extended position, so that the handle 52may be easily grasped. The combination of these two handles 52 providestwo convenient grips for a user to move the benchtop 24. The collapsiblehandle 52 allows this handle to fold away so that it is not in the wayduring a cutting operation. In an alternative arrangement, both handles52 may be collapsible or both handles may be rigidly affixed, or anyother combination of rigid or collapsible handles 52 is herebycontemplated for use as is any number of handles 52 as well as anyplacement or orientation of handles 52.

In one arrangement, benchtop 24 is formed of a manufactured wood productsuch as a particle board, melamine, hardboard, medium-densityfiberboard, plywood, or any other wood product, or sheet product orplanks of wood or the like, or any combination thereof. Alternatively,benchtop 24 may be formed of any other material such as plastic,composite or any other non-wood material or any combination thereof.Manufactured wood products, such as particle board or medium densityfiberboard or the like, have the benefits of being relativelyinexpensive, being durable and providing a flat surface for measuringand cutting. One disadvantage of using a wood product for benchtop 24isthat the wood will actually swell and shrink as the temperature andhumidity changes, which may cause alignment and measurement issues. Thatis the dimensions of benchtop 24 are dynamic and dynamic enough toaffect the accuracy of measurements based on features or components thatare placed on, connected to or part of benchtop 24. It is for thesereasons that measurement and alignment on the benchtop 24 a of thisnature cannot be performed. While the benchtop 24 may vary somewhat indimension, these dimensional changes can be addressed or accounted forthrough proper calibration, adjustment and other practices as isdescribed herein.

Edge Track: In the arrangement shown, as one example, benchtop 24includes an edge track 54 that extends across all or a portion of someor all of the edges of benchtop 24. In the arrangement shown, as oneexample, an edge track 54 extends across the entire length of the frontedge, left edge, back edge and right edge of benchtop 24. In thearrangement shown, as one example adjacent edge tracks 54 connect to oneanother at corners 56. Edge tracks 54 are formed of any suitable size,shape and design and are configured to connect to the edges of benchtop24 and provide a convenient place to mount tools and accessories tobenchtop 24. In one arrangement, as one example, edge tracks 54, whenviewed from their end are generally rectangular members, with generallyflat and square upper and lower edges and generally flat inward andoutward facing surfaces. In the arrangement shown, as one example, theoutward facing surface of edge tracks 54 have a groove 58 that alsofaces outward and away from the benchtop 24 along the end-to-end lengthof the edge track 54. In one arrangement, as is shown, the groove 58 inedge track 54 is a T-slot, however any other shape is herebycontemplated for use as groove 58 as is any number of grooves 58 and anyplacement of grooves 58 which may include a groove 58 in the uppersurface and/or lower surface of edge track 54. In the arrangementwherein groove 58 in edge track 54 is a T-slot that extends the entireend-to-end length of edge track 54, this T-shaped groove allows theinsertion of an anchor of a tool or accessory into the groove 58 andsliding the position of the tool or accessory along the length of thegroove 58 while preventing unintentional disengagement of the tool oraccessory from the groove 58, as is further described herein.

Corners: In the arrangement shown, as one example, adjacent edge tracks54 connect to one another at corners 56. Corners 56 are formed of anysuitable size, shape and design and are configured to wrap around thecorners of benchtop 24 and connect to the corner of benchtop 24 andconnect adjacent edge tracks 54 to one another on either side of thecorner of benchtop 24. In one arrangement, as is shown, to facilitateinsertion of an anchor of a tool or accessory into the groove 58,corners 56 have a similar groove to that of edge tracks 54 that alignswith the groove 58 of edge tracks 54 when edge tracks 54 are attached tocorners 56. In this way, the attachment of edge tracks 54 to corners 56,and the alignment of their respective grooves 58 do not inhibit theinsertion of anchors of tools or accessories into the groove 58 of edgetracks 54. Said another way, corners 56 connect adjacent edge tracks 54while still allowing access to grooves 58 of edge tracks 54.

In one arrangement, edge tracks 54 are formed of an aluminum metal ormetal alloy. This arrangement has been tested with success as aluminumor an aluminum metal alloy is light weight and strong. However, in theevent that a saw engages an aluminum or aluminum alloy edge track 54,the saw should cut right through the aluminum and not damage the saw orthe operator. Alternatively, any other material is hereby contemplatedfor use as edge tracks 54 such as a ferrous metal, such as steel oriron, or a plastic, a composite or any other non-metallic material orthe like or a combination thereof.

One benefit of having edge tracks 54 extend all the way around thebenchtop 24, and connecting the edge tracks 54 to one another usingcorners 56 is that this arrangement forms a complete and connectedsquare frame member around the benchtop 24. This square frame memberprovides increased strength and rigidity to benchtop 24. In this way,edge tracks 54 help to prevent deformation of the benchtop 24 whichprovides better cutting results, a sturdier device, greater strength andimproved safety while also providing a convenient place for attaching atool or accessory to benchtop 24 at any position around the periphery ofbenchtop 24. In the arrangement shown, as one example, the upper surfaceof edge tracks 54 are positioned a distance below the upper surface ofbenchtop 24 so as to not interfere with the sliding of workpieces 42across the upper surface of benchtop 24. In the arrangement shown,benchtop 24 is easily removed and replaced within the frame formed byedge tracks 54 and corners 56.

Bench Dog Holes: In the arrangement shown, as one example, benchtop 24includes a plurality of bench dog holes 60. In the arrangement shown, asone example, bench dog holes 60 are formed of cylindrical holes thatextend through the benchtop 24 from the top surface to the bottomsurface and are vertically aligned to extend perpendicularly to the topsurface of benchtop 24. While round bench dog holes 60 are shown foruse, any other shape of bench dog holes 60 are hereby contemplated foruse such as square, rectangular, triangular, octagonal, oval or anyother shape or combination thereof. One benefit of round bench dog holes60 is that they are non-directional. One benefit of non-round bench dogholes is that they may provide direction or alignment to a bench dog 32which may provide direction and alignment to a workpiece 42. Incontrast, two bench dogs 32 in round bench dog holes 60 are needed toprovide alignment and direction to a workpiece 42. In one arrangement,some or all of bench dog holes 60 do not extend all the way through thebenchtop 24 and instead they extend only a portion of the way intobenchtop 24. In this way, these bench dog holes 60 form recesses in thebenchtop 24, but not through-holes. Any other configuration of bench dogholes 60 is hereby contemplated for use.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, bench dog holes 60 extendacross benchtop in a pattern. In one arrangement, this pattern of benchdog holes 60 is a squared pattern or grid pattern where the plurality ofbench dog holes 60 extend in aligned rows and aligned columns across thebenchtop 24 with each bench dog hole 60 being aligned with one anotherand/or equally spaced from its vertically and horizontally adjacentbench dog holes 60. This squared pattern of bench dog holes 60 is alsoaligned or squared to the edges of the benchtop 24, such as the edgethat runs along the front side of the benchtop 24, the edge that runsalong the back side of the benchtop 24, the edge that runs along theleft side of the benchtop 24 and/or the edge that runs along the rightside of the benchtop 24. That is the outward positioned rows or columnsextend in a parallel spaced manner to the edges of benchtop 24. As such,adjacent bench dog holes 60 are aligned in rows that extend inapproximate perpendicular alignment or approximate parallel alignmentwith the edges of benchtop 24. Or, said another way, when a square gridpattern of bench dog holes 60 is used in association with a square orrectangular benchtop 24, the sides or edges of the benchtop extendeither in parallel spaced alignment or perpendicular alignment to therows and columns formed by the grid of bench dog holes 60.

As the grid of bench dog holes 60 extend in a square pattern, variousother angles can be formed by connecting various bench dog holes 60. Asone example, a 45 degree angle (and conversely a 135 degree angle) maybe formed with respect to an edge by connecting diagonally positionedbench dog holes 60. The grid of equally spaced and precisely alignedbench dog holes 60 positioned across benchtop 24 allows for precisealignment of workpieces 42 on the benchtop 24 by placing a bench dog 32in two bench dog holes 60 and aligning an edge of a workpiece 42 againstthe two bench dogs 32, thereby aligning the workpiece 42 to the benchtop24.

To be clear, bench dog holes 60 may be placed in any other pattern otherthan square or rectangular. These other patterns facilitate thepositioning of workpieces 42 at various angles and positions. Otherpatterns may include a circular pattern, a diamond pattern, a spiralpattern, or any other form of a pattern.

Calibration Features: In one arrangement, benchtop 24 includes one ormore calibration features 62. Calibration features 62 are formed of anysuitable size, shape and design and are configured to facilitatealignment and calibration of the saw track 26 to the benchtop 24, ormore specifically to the grid of bench dog holes 60 in the benchtop 24.In one arrangement, as is shown, calibration features 62 sized andshaped just like the other bench dog holes 60 in benchtop 24. In onearrangement, as is shown, two calibration features 62 are presented, onecalibration feature 62 is positioned adjacent each end of the front sideof the benchtop 24 which is located between the saw track 26 and theedge on the front side of the benchtop 24, however any other number ofcalibration features 62 are hereby contemplated for use such as one,three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more, as is any otherposition. In one arrangement, as is shown, these calibration features 62while aligned with the grid of bench dog holes 60, the calibrationfeatures 62 are separate from the grid of bench dog holes 60. In analternative arrangement, calibration features 62 are simply one or moreof the grid of bench dog holes 60. In one arrangement, calibrationfeatures 62 are formed of the same, size, shape and design as the benchdog holes 60, whereas in an alternative arrangement, calibrationfeatures 62 are formed of a different size, shape and/or design as thebench dog holes 60.

To calibrate a saw track 26 to the benchtop 24, the saw track 26 isconnected to the benchtop 24, but not tightened down. Two bench dogs 32are placed in the calibration features 62. Next, the saw track 26 ismoved until a cutting edge 62 of the saw track 26 engages the edges ofthe two bench dogs 32 positioned within the calibrating features 62.Once in this position, the saw track 26 is tightened in place therebylocking the saw track 26 in alignment with the grid of bench dog holes60. More specifically, the cutting edge 98 of the saw track 26 is inapproximate parallel spaced alignment to the front side and back side ofthe squares that form the grid of bench dog holes 60, and is inapproximate perpendicular alignment to the left side and right side ofthe squares that form the grid of bench dog holes 60. In this way, sawtrack 26 can quickly and easily be calibrated specifically to thebenchtop 24. This allows removal and replacement of the saw track 26 inthe precise alignment it was in before removal. In addition,recalibration is quick and easy. As such enhanced accuracy and alignmentis provided.

By machining calibration features 62 at the same time as the bench dogholes 60 are machined in the benchtop 24, and by forming the calibrationfeatures 62 out of the same size, shape and design as the bench dogholes 60 this means that the calibration features 62 will behave inlike-kind or similar-fashion to the similar bench dog holes 60. That is,as the benchtop 24 swells and shrinks, expands and contracts, thecalibration features 62 should move accordingly with the grid of benchdog holes 60 and thereby maintain their relative accuracy to the gridpattern of bench dog holes 26.

Table Tracks: Benchtop 24 includes one or more table tracks 66. Tabletracks 66 are formed of any suitable size, shape and design and isconfigured to facilitate on table measurement as well as provide aconvenient on table connection of tools and accessories for use duringthe cutting operations. With reference to FIGS. 17-22, in thearrangement shown, as one example, table tracks 66 extend a length froma forward end 68 to a rearward end 70 in a generally flat and straightmanner. When viewed from an end, table track 66 has a generally squareor rectangular shape with a generally flat upper surface, a generallyflat bottom surface, and generally flat sides, however any other shapeis hereby contemplated for use.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, when viewed from an end, tabletrack 66 includes an groove 72 that is generally centrally positionedthat connects to the upper surface of table track 66 and a pair ofgrooves 74 that are positioned on either side of the centrallypositioned groove 72 that connect to the lower surface of table track66. In one arrangement, groove 72 and grooves 74 are formed of a T-slot,meaning that the width of the access slot into the groove 72 through thetop surface of the table track 66 in the case of groove 72 and the widthof the access slot into the grooves 74 through the lower surface oftable track 66 in the case of grooves 74 are narrower than the width ofthese grooves 72, 74 within table track 66. In this way, grooves 72, 74are configured to receive the head of a bolt, or screw or other anchormechanism of an accessory or tool within the wide portion of the groove72, 74 while allowing lateral positioning of the head of a bolt, orscrew or other anchor mechanism of an accessory or tool within along thelength of the table track 66 while preventing vertical pull out. In onearrangement, as is shown, grooves 74 in the lower surface of table track66 are used to mount table track 66 to benchtop 24 through the use offasteners such as screws, bolts, or the like wherein the head of thefastener is inserted within the groove 74 and the shaft of the fastenerextends through the benchtop 24. Any other number of grooves are herebycontemplated for use in table track 66.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, the upper surface of tabletrack 66 includes a pair of measuring grooves 76, wherein one measuringgroove 76 is positioned on either side of the centrally positionedgroove 72 in the upper surface of table track 66. In the arrangementshown, as one example, these measuring grooves 76 occupy the space abovegrooves 74. Measuring grooves 76 are formed of any suitable size, shapeand design and are configured to receive a measuring member 78 havingmeasuring indicia thereon, such as a measuring tape or ruler or othermeasuring device therein. In the arrangement shown, as one example,measuring grooves 76 are shallow rectangular grooves that are sized andshaped to receive a thin elongated measuring tape therein. In thearrangement shown, the outward sides of the measuring grooves 76 havearms that extend upward a distance before extending inward a distance.These arms form a channel and a lip that help to hold the measuringmember 78 within the measuring grooves 76 in a secure manner whileallowing the measuring member 78 to be laterally adjusted within and/oralong the length of measuring groove 76. The purpose of having twomeasuring grooves 76 is to have one measuring groove 76 configured tomeasure narrow cuts, wherein the workpiece 42 fits on benchtop 24, andthe other measuring groove 76 configured to measure wide cuts, whereinthe workpiece 42 extends past the surface of the benchtop 24.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, a pair of table tracks 66 arepositioned within a groove of benchtop 24 such that the upper surface ofthe table track is flush with, or slightly recessed to, the uppersurface of benchtop 24. This positioning prevents the presence of tabletracks 66 from interfering with sliding workpieces 42 on the uppersurface of the benchtop 24. In the arrangement shown, table tracks 66fit within these grooves within close and tight tolerances.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, each table track 66 ispositioned a distance inward from the outward sides of the benchtop 24and extends in approximate perpendicular relation to the front and backsides of benchtop 24, and extends in approximate parallel spacedrelation to the sides of benchtop 24. As the table tracks 66 are ineither parallel or perpendicular alignment to the edges of benchtop 24,table tracks 66 are inherently aligned with the grid of bench dog holes60, or, said another way, the table tracks 66 are squared to the grid ofbench dog holes 60. In the arrangement shown, table tracks 66 areequally positioned between two rows of bench dog holes 60 that extendbetween the front side and back side of the benchtop 24, however anyother placement is hereby contemplated for use. In this way, tabletracks 66 fit within the grid of bench dog holes 60 and do not interferewith or interrupt the grid of bench dog holes 60. In one arrangement, acentrally positioned table track 66 is hereby contemplated for use.

In one arrangement, the grooves that receive table tracks 66 aremachined into the benchtop 24 at the same time as the other features ofbenchtop 24 are machined, such as the bench dog holes 60. As such, bysimultaneous or contemporaneous machining of all features of benchtop 24insures maximum accuracy between features, such as between bench dogholes 60 and table tracks 66. In the arrangement shown, as one example,the grooves that are machined into benchtop 24 when viewed from an endare generally square or rectangular shaped grooves that are sized andshaped to receive the profile of table tracks 66 with close and tighttolerances, and in some cases with tight frictional tolerances so thatthe grooves provide precise alignment to the table tracks 66 when theyare positioned within these grooves. In the arrangement shown, as oneexample, these grooves only extend a distance into the material ofbenchtop 24 and as such the presence of these grooves do not interruptthe structural integrity of the benchtop 24. In the arrangement shown,as one example, the bottom surface of the grooves that receive tabletracks 66 is approximately aligned with the upper surface of edge tracks54 or is positioned just above the upper surface of edge tracks 54. Thisalignment provides full access to the end of table tracks 66 so as toallow insertion of tools or accessories into the grooves 72, 74, 76 oftable tracks 66.

In the arrangement shown, where two table tracks 66 are shown in use,each table track 66 is positioned between the outward side of thebenchtop 24 and the center of benchtop 24, however any other number oftable tracks 66 are hereby contemplated for use, such as one, three,four, five, six or more.

In the arrangement shown, the rearward end of table tracks 66 intersectwith the back edge of benchtop 24. In this way, access is provided tothe groove 72 and grooves 74 and measuring grooves 76. That is, the headof a bolt, or screw or other anchor mechanism of an accessory or tooland/or the accessory or tool itself may be inserted within any of thegrooves 72, 74, 76 from the back side of benchtop 24 and moved along anyportion of the groove 72, 74, 76.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, the forward end of the groovesthat receive table tracks 66 therein include reliefs 80 that areconfigured to receive lock member 82 therein. Lock members 82 are formedof any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to connect totable tracks 66 and allow adjustment of measuring members 78 withrespect to table tracks 66 while also locking measuring members 78 inplace once measuring members 78 are properly adjusted or calibrated.Said another way, lock members 82 hold measuring members 78 in placewhile also allowing for the selective adjustment of measuring members 78with respect to table tracks 66.

In one arrangement, as is shown, lock members 82 are formed of a mainbody 84 that is formed of a single unitary member, however a multiplepiece part is hereby contemplated for use, as is multiple independentpieces. Main body 84 of lock members 82 largely emulates the size andshape of table track 66, and merely extends the length of table tracks66 a distance at the forward end of table tracks 66. In the arrangementshown, as one example, main body 84 includes a pair of protrusions 86that are sized and shaped to fit within grooves 74 and/or groove 72 withclose and tight tolerances such that insertion of protrusions 86 intogrooves 74, 72 locks lock member 82 to table track 66. Like table tracks66, the upper surface of lock members 82 include arms 88 that formgrooves 90 that are configured to receive the forward end of measuringmembers 78 therein. In one arrangement, as is shown, these arms 88 andgrooves 90 largely mirror the arms and grooves of measuring grooves 76of table track 66.

In one arrangement, lock members 82 include a bias member 92 that isconfigured to engage and hold measuring member 78 in place whilefacilitating adjustment of measuring member 78 with respect to tabletrack 66. In one arrangement, biasing member 92 is an arm positionedapproximately in the middle of the groove of lock member 82 betweenopposing pairs of arms 88 and grooves 90 which is connected at itsrearward end and extends upward slightly as it extends forward. In thisarrangement, as the bias member 92 extends forward it rises upward outof the plane that forms the bottom of the groove between opposing pairsof arms 88 and grooves 90. In this way, the vertical rise of bias member92 engages the measuring member 76 thereby frictionally locking themeasuring member 76 in place by forcing the measuring member 76 infrictionally held engagement between bias member 92 and the grooves 90and arms 88 of lock member 82. By pressing downward on the forward endof bias member 92 this causes the bias member 92 to rotate upon thehinge at the rearward end of bias member 92 that connects bias member 92to the main body 84 of lock member 82.

To adjust the position of the measuring member 76 with respect to thetable track 66, in one arrangement, sufficient force is applied themeasuring member 76 that overcomes the friction between bias member 92and measuring member 78 thereby causing relative movement (e.g. slidingthe measuring member 78 within measuring groove 76 despite theengagement of bias member 92 on the bottom side of measuring member 78).In another arrangement, a force is applied downward upon bias member 92,through measuring member 76 causing the bias member 92 to retract andfreeing the engagement between bias member 92 and the grooves 90 andarms 88 of lock member 82 thereby allowing free movement of measuringmember 76. Once measuring member 76 is in its desired position, the biasmember 92 is allowed to again push up on measuring member 76 therebylocking the measuring member 76 in place again.

In an alternative arrangement, table tracks 66 include measuring indiciaaffixed onto and/or into table track 66. In this arrangement, thismeasuring indicia is not adjustable and as such the table track 66 isadjustable relative to the cutting edge 98 and relative to the benchtop24. In one arrangement, in this arrangement wherein the table tracks 66include affixed measuring indicia thereon, the table tracks 66 slidewithin a groove in the benchtop 24 and is tightened in place onceproperly adjusted.

In one arrangement lock members 82 are connected to the forward end oftable tracks 66 and are positioned below the saw track 26 that isconnected to benchtop 24. Lock members 82 may be screwed, bolted,friction fitted, welded, glued, adhered, pinned, riveted, or connectedto the forward end of table tracks by any other manner, method or means.

Saw Track:

In one arrangement system 10 includes a saw track 26. Saw track 26 isformed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured toreceive and guide a saw 40 to perform a cutting operation in associationwith benchtop 24. With reference to FIGS. 23-30, in the arrangementshown, as one example, saw track 26 extends a length between an opposingfirst end 94 and second end 96 and extends a width between a cuttingedge 98 or front edge and a non-cutting edge 100 or back edge. In thearrangement shown, as one example, saw track 26 is formed of an extrudedmember, meaning that the features of saw track 26 extend in a consistentor relatively consistent manner from first end 94 to second end 96.

First Protrusion: In the arrangement shown, as one example, saw track 26has a generally flat upper surface that extends in approximate parallelspaced relation to a generally flat bottom surface. In one arrangement,to help provide guidance to saw 40 as it slides along the length of sawtrack 26, saw track 26 includes a first protrusion 102 extends upwardfrom the upper surface a distance. In the arrangement shown, as oneexample, first protrusion 102 is positioned between the cutting edge 98and the non-cutting edge 100 of saw track, at or near the middle of sawtrack 26. When viewed from an end, first protrusion 102 is a generallysquare or rectangular shaped protrusion that extends upward from theupper surface of saw track 26. In the arrangement shown, firstprotrusion 102 forms a downward facing groove, or in the arrangementshown, a T-slot that may be used to receive fasteners for connectingtools and accessories to the saw track 26, such as hinge members 28.Protrusion 102 is configured to be received by a recess in a base 104connected to saw 40 such that when saw 40 slides along saw track 26, thefirst protrusion 102 is received within the recess in the base 104 ofsaw 40 thereby providing precise alignment and guidance to saw 40 as saw40 slides along the length of saw track 26.

Second Protrusion: In the arrangement shown, as one example, saw track26 includes a second protrusion 106 that, like first protrusion 102,extends upward from the upper surface of saw track 26 a distance. In thearrangement shown, as one example, second protrusion 106 is positionedalong the non-cutting edge 100 of saw track 26 and when viewed from anend is a generally square or rectangular protrusion that extends upwardfrom the upper surface of saw track 26. In the arrangement shown, secondprotrusion 106 forms an upward facing groove, or in the arrangementshown, a T-slot, that may be used to receive fasteners for connectingtools and accessories to the saw track 26. In one arrangement, secondprotrusion 106 is also configured to be received by a recess in a base104 connected to saw 40 such that when saw 40 slides along saw track 26,the second protrusion 106 is received within the recess in the base 104of saw 40 thereby providing precise alignment and guidance to saw 40 assaw 40 slides along the length of saw track 26. In an alternativearrangement, second protrusion 106 is not used for alignment purposesand instead serves to strengthen saw track 26 and/or to facilitateattachment of components to saw track 26.

While two protrusions are shown extending upward from the upper surfaceof saw track 26, any number of protrusions are hereby contemplated foruse, such as none, one, three, four, five, six or more. In thearrangement where no protrusions are present in saw track 26, otherfeatures may be present such as one or more grooves in saw track 26 thatreceive protrusions in the base 104 of saw 40 thereby providing guidanceand alignment for saw 40.

Chip Strip: The cutting edge 98 of saw track 26 includes a chip strip108. Chip strip 108 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design andis configured to be a consumable edge that is cut to precisely fit theblade of saw 40 to saw track 26 during a cutting operation. That is, inone arrangement, to provide durability and rigidity, saw track 26 isformed of a metallic material such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy oranother metallic material. In contrast, chip strip 108 is formed of aplastic or composite or non-metallic material. Chip strip 108 extendspast the outward edge of saw track 26 a distance. Upon the first cutusing saw 40, the chip strip 108 is precisely cut to fit the blade ofsaw 40 with tight and close tolerances. This close fitting arrangementbetween the blade of saw 40 and the chip strip 108 of saw track 26facilitates cutting clean and precise cuts in workpiece 42 and helps toprevent tear out and chipping of the workpiece 42 during cutting.

In one arrangement, when viewed from an end, chip strip 108 is agenerally rectangular member that is adhered to the lower surface of sawtrack 26 adjacent its cutting edge 98. In one arrangement, as is shown,chip strip 108 extends all or a portion of the length of saw track 26from end 94 to end 96. In one arrangement, as is shown, chip strip 108is formed of two layers of non-metallic material. The upper layer isformed of a strong and rigid and hard non-metallic material. This hardmaterial provides strength and rigidity to the chip strip 108. However,harder materials tend to have a lower coefficient of friction, whichmeans that harder materials tend to slide over other objects easier thansofter materials. As such, a lower layer of softer material ormore-compressible material is placed below the upper layer. This lowerlayer is softer than the upper layer and as such it does not have thestrength and rigidity of the upper layer. However, the softer materialof the lower layer has a much higher coefficient of friction than theharder upper layer. As such, the addition of the softer lower layer ofmaterial of chip strip 108 helps to impart a higher level of frictionupon workpiece 42 when saw track 26 is lowered onto workpiece 42. Assuch, the addition of the softer lower layer of material of chip strip108 helps to hold a workpiece 42 in place during a cutting operation andhelps to prevent a workpiece 42 from moving or shifting during a cuttingoperation, thereby improving the quality and accuracy of the cuts aswell as helping to improve safety during cutting as a moving workpiece42 is extremely dangerous. Another benefit of having the lower layer ofsofter material is that it helps impart friction on the workpiece 42 atthe point of cutting. That is, the workpiece 42 is held where the cutoccurs. This helps to hold small and narrow workpieces 42. In thearrangement shown, the softer lower layer of material of chip strip 108is much thinner than the harder and more-rigid upper layer of chip strip108. As such, the hard upper layer of chip strip 108 holds the rigidityand dimensional accuracy of chip strip 108 out to the forward most edge,or cutting edge 98, while the lower layer imparts grip on to workpiece42. As such the combination of the two layers of material provide thedesired mechanical properties that could not be accomplished by eithermaterial alone.

Upon the first pass of the saw 40 the chip strip 108 is cut to fit thesaw 40. In the arrangement shown, as one example, to provide precisealignment, the inward edge of chip strip 108 is placed in engagementwith a forward edge of a step-feature in the lower surface of saw track26 while the upper surface of chip strip 108 is adhered to the bottomsurface of saw track 26.

Grip Strip: In one arrangement, to further help hold a workpiece 42 inplace, the lower surface of saw track 26 includes one or more gripstrips 110. Grip strips 110 are formed of any suitable size, shape anddesign and are configured to engage and hold a workpiece 42 in placewhen saw track 26 is lowered onto the workpiece 42. In one arrangement,as is shown, grip strips 110 are formed of a compressible materialhaving a high coefficient of friction such as a rubber, a foam, arubberized foam or any other non-metallic material that has a highcoefficient of friction. These grip strips 110 are generally rectangularin shape and are adhered to the lower surface of saw track 26 and extendall or a portion of the length of saw track 26 from end 94 to end 96.The presence of grip strips 110 on the lower surface of saw track 26helps to impart friction on the workpiece 42 which helps to holdworkpiece 42 in place during a cutting operation. Grip strips 110 may beadhered directly to a flat portion of the lower surface of saw track 26.Alternatively, grip strips 110 may be adhered to a recess or groove insaw track 26 that is configured to receive grip strips 110.

Glide Strip: In the arrangement shown, as one example, the upper surfaceof saw track 26 includes one or more glide strips 112. Glide strips 112are formed of any suitable size, shape and design and are configured tofacilitate smooth gliding of the base 104 of saw 40 over the uppersurface of saw track 26. In one arrangement, as is shown, glide strips112are formed of a material having a low coefficient of friction. Or,said another way, glide strips 112 are formed of a material thatfacilitates smooth and easy sliding of the base 104 of saw 40 along thelength of saw track 26. These glide strips 112are generally rectangularin shape and are adhered to the upper surface of saw track 26 and extendall or a portion of the length of saw track 26 from end 94 to end 96.The presence of glide strips 112on the upper surface of saw track 26helps to reduce friction between the base 104 of saw 40 and the uppersurface of saw track 26. As such, the presence of one or more glidestrips 112 helps to make it easier to make a cut using saw 40 and sawtrack 26 by reducing the friction between saw 40 and saw track 26. Glidestrips 112 may be adhered directly to a flat portion of the uppersurface of saw track 26. Alternatively, glide strips 112 may be adheredto a recess or groove in saw track 26 that is configured to receiveglide strip 112.

Cord Manager: In one arrangement, as is shown, saw track 26 includes acord manager 114. Cord manager 114 is formed of any suitable size, shapeand design and is configured to be a safety feature that helps to holdand guide a power cord and/or a dust-collection vacuum tube connected tosaw 40 during a cutting operation so that the power cord and/or vacuumtube does not interfere with the cutting operation or the user or causea safety hazard. In one arrangement, as is shown, cord manager 114 isconfigured to fit over the first end 94 of saw track 26 and in doing so,cord manager 114 includes locking members that fit within the slots offirst protrusion 102 and/or second protrusion 106 and/or any otherfeature or component of saw track 26. In the arrangement shown, cordmanager 114 includes a knob 116 that is configured to facilitatetightening and loosening of cord manager 114 to the slot of the secondprotrusion 106 of saw track 26 for purposes of installation and removal.In the arrangement shown, cord manager 114 includes a fin 118 positionedat the front side of the cord manager 114 and a fin 118 positioned atthe rear side of the cord manager 114 that extend upward from the mainbody of cord manager 114 a distance thereby creating a trough or valleybetween the opposing fins 118 that is configured to receive and hold thepower cord and/or vacuum tube therein. In the arrangement shown, whenviewed from above, the outward end of cord manager 114 forms one or morerecesses 120 between the outward sides of cord manager 114. Theserecesses 120 are configured to receive and hold a power cord and preventthe power cord from sliding around to the front side or back side of thesaw track 26 during use. In this way, cord manager 114 helps tofacilitate guidance of the power cord of saw 40 down the length of thesaw track 26 during a cutting operation. The recesses 120 in cordmanager 114 also facilitates the guidance of a vacuum hose inapplications wherein a vacuum hose is attached to saw 40.

Saw track 26 is configured to move between a raised position, whereinworkpieces 42 may be removed and replaced under saw track 26, and alowered position, wherein the lower surface of saw track 26 engagesworkpiece 42 and clamps the workpiece 42 in place between saw track 26and benchtop 24. In one arrangement, saw track 26 is vertically movableby hinge members 30.

Hinge Members:

With reference to FIGS. 23-44 and 97-99, in one arrangement system 10includes a pair of hinge members 28. Hinge members 28 are formed of anysuitable size, shape and design and are configured to facilitatemovement of saw track 26 between a raised position, wherein workpieces42 may be removed and replaced under saw track 26, and a loweredposition, wherein the lower surface of saw track 26 engages workpiece 42and clamps the workpiece 42 in place between saw track 26 and benchtop24. In the arrangement shown, two hinge members 28 are used inassociation with benchtop 24 and saw track 26, with one hinge member 28connected adjacent each end 94, 96 of saw track 26 and connected toopposing edge tracks 54 connected to the left side and right side of thebenchtop 24.

Mounting Plate: In the arrangement shown, as one example, hinge members28 include a mounting plate 122. Mounting plate 122 is formed of anysuitable size, shape and design and is configured to attach hinge member28 to an edge track 54. In the arrangement shown, as one example,mounting plate 122, when viewed from the left side or right side, isgenerally square or rectangular in shape, and includes rounded corners.When viewed from the front or back, mounting plate 122 is a generallyplanar shaped member. The inward facing side 124 of mounting plate 122includes a protrusion 126 that is configured to engage and fit withinthe groove 58 in the exterior facing surface of edge track 58 to whichit connects. This engagement between groove 58 of edge track 54 and theprotrusion 126 of mounting plate 122 helps to provide alignment and addsstrength to the connection between mounting plate 122 and edge track 54.That is, when mounting plate 122 is installed onto benchtop 24,protrusion 126 is fully inserted within the groove 58 of edge track 54and the inward facing surface 124 of mounting plate 122 is in flat andflush planar engagement with the exterior surface of edge track 54. Inthe arrangement shown, as one example, protrusion 126 is a generallysquare or rectangular shaped member that extends outward from the inwardfacing surface 124 in a generally perpendicular manner to the planeformed by inward facing surface 124. Also, in the arrangement shown, asone example, protrusion 126 extends all or most of the front-to-backlength of mounting plate 122 thereby providing maximum alignment andstability to the connection between mounting plate 122 and edge track54.

To further facilitate connection between mounting plate 122 and edgetrack 58, one or more fasteners 128 are inserted into the groove 58 ofedge track 54 that extend outward from edge track 54 and throughopenings in mounting plate 122. In the arrangement shown, thesefasteners are aligned with the protrusion 126 and/or extend through theprotrusion 126 and are tightened into place using nuts 130 and/orhandles positioned on the outward facing side 132 of mounting plate 122.In the arrangement shown, as one example, one opening and associatedfastener 128 and nut 130 is positioned at the approximate center ofmounting plate 122 as well as each outward end of mounting plate 122.

To provide lateral alignment of the mounting plate 122 on the edge track54, and to facilitate positioning and re-positioning the saw track 26 inthe same place time and time again, the inward facing side 124 ofmounting plate 122 includes an alignment feature 134 that is configuredto be received within an alignment receiver 136 positioned in benchtop24. Alignment feature 134 is formed of any suitable size, shape anddesign and in the arrangement shown, is an inwardly extending protrusionpositioned at the top inward edge of mounting plate 122. When viewedfrom above, alignment feature 134 is generally centrally positionedwithin the forward to back length of mounting plate 122 and includesstraight sides and a rounded end, however any other arrangement orposition is hereby contemplated for use.

In this arrangement, alignment receiver 136 is a similarly shaped recessor feature cut into the material of benchtop 24. That is, alignmentreceiver 136 has straight sides and a rounded end that is sized andshaped to receive alignment feature 134. However, as is describedherein, the dimensions of benchtop 24 tend to vary slightly with changesin temperature and humidity. To provide maximum accuracy, and to assureto the extent possible that saw track 26 precisely aligns with the gridof bench dog holes 60 and table tracks 66, alignment receiver 136 ismachined into benchtop 24 at the same time that the bench dog holes 60and grooves that receive table tracks 66 are machined into the benchtop24. Machining all of the features into benchtop 24 at the same insuresdimensional accuracy between the features in the benchtop 24 at the timethey are machined. This is because contemporaneous machining of thefeatures ensures that the benchtop 24 did not expand or shrink betweenthe time that different features are placed in benchtop 24.

Despite being machined at the same time, in some cases it is desirableto have some adjustability for the position of hinge members 28 and sawtrack 26. As such, in one arrangement, as is shown, alignment receiver136 is slightly wider than alignment feature 134. As such, whenalignment feature 134 is positioned within alignment receiver 136, hingemember 28 may be slightly laterally adjusted (forward to back) to ensureproper alignment of the saw track 26 with the grid of bench dog holes 60and table tracks 66. To determine this proper precise alignment andpositioning of alignment feature 134 within alignment receiver 136, thesaw track 26 is installed, bench dogs 32 are placed within thecalibration holes 62 and the hinge members 28 are slid forward until thecutting edge 98 of the saw track 26 is engaged with the calibrationholes 62. Once in this position, the precise alignment of the saw track26 (and the alignment member 136 within the alignment receiver 136) isdetermined and the hinge member 28 is tightened in place using nuts 130and fasteners 128.

Due to the connection between protrusion 126 and groove 58 of edge track54, the vertical position of mounting plate 122 is fixed. To providevertical adjustment of saw track 26, an end plate 138 is connected tomounting plate 122 that vertically moves with respect to mounting plate122. To facilitate this connection between mounting plate 122 and endplate 138, the outward facing side 132 of mounting plate 122 includes afirst protrusion 140 and a second protrusion 142. In the arrangementshown, as one example, first protrusion 140, when viewed from the leftside or right side, is a generally square or rectangular feature thatextends outward from the outward facing side 132 of mounting plate 122,however any other shape is hereby contemplated for use. In thearrangement shown, as one example, second protrusion 142, when viewedfrom the left side or right side, is a generally elongated feature withstraight sidewalls and rounded ends that extends outward from theoutward facing side 132 of first protrusion 142, however any other shapeis hereby contemplated for use. First protrusion 140 is generallycentrally positioned between the ends of mounting plate 122 and extendsvertically across the mounting plate 122. Second protrusion 142 isgenerally centrally positioned within first protrusion 140 andterminates before the upper and lower ends of first protrusion 140.First protrusion 140 and second protrusion 142 are configured to receiveand guide end plate 138 while facilitating vertical adjustment of sawtrack 16.

End Plate: In the arrangement shown, as one example, hinge members 28include an end plate 138 that connects to mounting plate 122 andfacilitates sliding vertical movement of saw track 26. It is desirableto have saw track 26 be in flat and flush alignment between hingemembers 28 when saw track 26 is in engagement with the upper surface ofworkpiece 42. To facilitate this alignment, end plates 138 verticallyslide on mounting plates 122.

End Plate 138 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and isconfigured to attach to mounting plate 122. In the arrangement shown, asone example, end plate 138 includes a generally flat and planar mainbody 144. Main body 144 includes a pair of arms 146, one positioned oneach side of main body 144 that extend toward benchtop 24 and extend avertical length of main body 144. The space between opposing arms 146 issized and shaped to receive first protrusion 140 there between withclose and tight tolerances while also allowing for sliding verticalmovement. In the arrangement shown, arms 146 initially extend towardbenchtop 24 before bending around to extend away from benchtop 24. Thisbending of arms 146 provides structural strength and rigidity to endplate 138 much like corrugation does to a sheet of material. Main body144 of end plate 138 also includes a slot 148. Slot 148 is sized andshaped to receive second protrusion 142 therein with close and tighttolerances. Slot 148 is vertically longer than second protrusion 142 soas to facilitate vertical adjustment. In the arrangement shown, justlike second protrusion 142, slot 148 includes straight sidewalls andcurved ends. In a fully raised position, the lower edge of secondprotrusion 142 engages the lower edge of slot 148. In a fully loweredposition, the upper edge of second protrusion 142 engages the upper edgeof slot 148.

When mounting plate 122 is installed on edge track 54, end plate 138 isinstalled on mounting plate 122 by placing the interior facing surfaceof main body 144 on the outward facing surface 132 of mounting plate 122such that the first protrusion 140 is received in the recess formedbetween arms 146 and the second protrusion 142 is received within slot148. In this position, the fastener 128 that extends through secondprotrusion 142 also extends through slot 148 and is connected to ahandle 150. In this position, end plate 138 is vertically adjustableuntil the upper end of second protrusion 142 engages the upper end ofslot 148, which defines the lowest available position, and until thelower end of the second protrusion 142 engages the lower end of the slot148, which defines the upper most available position. Once end plate 138is at its desired vertical position, handle 150 is tightened and the endplate 138 is locked in place with respect to mounting plate 122. In thearrangement shown, handle 150 is a knob that threads over the threadedshaft of fastener 128.

The upper end of main body 144 extends upward a distance from the upperend of arms 146 and slot 148 and connects to a first hinge 152. In thearrangement shown, first hinge 152 is what is known as a barrel hinge,however any form of a hinge is hereby contemplated for use. First hinge152 connects a center member 154 to the main body 144 of end plate 138.The upper end of center member 154 connects to a second hinge 156. Inthe arrangement shown, like first hinge 152, second hinge 156 is what isknown as a barrel hinge, however any form of a hinge is herebycontemplated for use. Second hinge 156 connects an upper member 158 tothe center member 154 and main body 144. In the arrangement shown,center member 154 and upper member 158 are generally flat and planarmembers that connect to hinges 152, 156. Upper member 158 includes aplurality of openings that receive fasteners or other features thatfacilitate connection of upper member 158 to the lower surface of sawtrack 26.

Once hinge members 28 are fully assembled, that is, mounting plates 122are installed on edge tracks 54, and end plates 138 are installed onmounting plates 122, and upper members 158 of end plates 138 areinstalled on the lower surface of saw track 26, the saw track 26 iseasily and quickly moved between a raised position, which allowsworkpieces 42 to be inserted under the saw track 26, preciselypositioned for a cutting operation, and removed from under the saw track26, to a lowered position, wherein the lower surface of saw track 26engages the upper surface of the workpiece 42 thereby clamping theworkpiece 42 in place. Due to the close engagement of the chip strip 108and the blade of the saw 40, when the saw track 26 lays upon theworkpiece 42, the precise position of the cut is revealed at theintersection of the workpiece 42 and the cutting edge 98 of chip strip108. This makes visually confirming the cut is in the desired positionvery easy. This also make using the system 10 very intuitive. This alsomakes it very easy to be extremely precise with cutting. The combinedresult of these features is a very safe cutting system that is extremelyaccurate and easy to use that reduces waste and errant cuts. Inaddition, the simple and easy raising and lowering of the saw track 26makes positioning and repositioning workpieces 42 for cutting operationsfast and easy. In one arrangement, to speed positioning of workpieces 42for cutting operations stop members, such as narrow rip stops 34, widerip stops 36 and a miter gauge 38 are used.

In one arrangement, the combination of a hinge member 28 connectedadjacent the opposing ends of saw track 26 forms what is known as a fourbar linkage. A four-bar linkage, also called a four-bar, is the simplestmovable closed chain linkage. It consists of four bodies, called bars orlinks, connected in a loop by four joints. Generally, the joints areconfigured so the links move in parallel planes, and the assembly iscalled a planar four-bar linkage. This arrangement, wherein a four barlinkage is formed by the combination of hinge members 28, saw track 26and benchtop 24 ensures that the saw track remains parallel to the planeof the top surface of benchtop 24 when in a raised position, in alowered position, and throughout the range of movement. This contributesto more accurate cutting and measurement.

Alternative Arrangement: With reference to FIGS. 97, 98 and 99 analternative arrangement is presented wherein second protrusion 142 inmounting plate 122 is formed of a pair of fasteners that are connectedto mounting plate 122 that define the upper and lower edges of secondprotrusion 142. In the arrangement shown, as one example, thesefasteners that form second protrusion 145 of mounting plate 122 have arounded head that extends outward from mounting plate 122 a distance andinclude a threaded shaft that threads into or otherwise connects tomounting plate 122. As such, when end plate 138 is in its fully loweredposition, the upper edge of slot 148 engages the upper surface of theupper positioned fastener that forms second protrusion 142. As such,when end plate 138 is in its raised position, the lower edge of slot 148engages the lower surface of the lower positioned fastener that formssecond protrusion 142. In this way, the attachment of a pair offasteners to mounting plate 122 to form second protrusion 142 define theupper and lower boundaries of movement for end plate 138. In additionthe attachment of a pair of fasteners to the exterior surface ofmounting plate 122 eliminates a substantial amount of machining andmaterial waste as compared to machining second protrusion 142 intomounting plate 122. Otherwise, the use of two fasteners to form secondprotrusion 142 operates in the same manner as having a single machinedfeature.

Also shown in FIGS. 97, 98 and 99 a biasing member 322 is presented.Biasing member 322 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design andis configured to apply a bias-force upon end plate 138 so as to ensureoptimum accuracy and repeatability by ensuring that end plate 138 seeksthe same position. That is, biasing member 322 applies a bias force uponend plate 138 thereby taking up slack or gaps or dimensional variancebetween these components. In the arrangement shown, as one example,biasing member 322 is attached to the rearward position fastener 128between the exterior side of mounting plate 122 the interior side of nut130 and is tightened in place there between. In the arrangement shown,as one example, biasing member 322 includes a pair of flexible forwardextending arms 324, one at its upper side and one at its lower side,that extend forward at an angle and engage the rearward side of endplate 138. The forward end of these arms 324 engage the rearward side ofend plate 138 and apply a force forcing end plate 138 forward such thatrearward side of slot 148 engages the rearward side of second protrusion142. This bias force takes up the slack, give or dimensional variancebetween mounting pate 122 and end plate 138 thereby improving accuracyand repeatability. The alternative arrangement is also herebycontemplated wherein the biasing member 322 is attached to the forwardpositioned fastener 128.

Narrow Rip Stops:

With reference to FIGS. 45-65, in one arrangement system 10 includes oneor more narrow rip stops 34. Narrow rip stops 34 are formed of anysuitable size, shape and design and are configured to facilitate quickand easy and accurate placement and measurement of workpiece 42 onbenchtop 24 for a cutting operation. In the arrangement shown, twonarrow rip stops 34 are configured to be used in association withbenchtop 24 and saw track 26, with one narrow rip stop 34 connected toeach table track 66 either individually and in a standalone manner orjoined with one another in a connected manner, as is further describedherein.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, narrow rip stops 34 have amain body 160 that extends a length between a narrow stop end 162 and awide stop end 164 and extend a width between opposing sides 166. In thearrangement shown, as one example, narrow stop end 162 and wide stop end164 form an approximate flat and square surface that extend inapproximate parallel spaced relation to one another. Similarly, in thearrangement shown, as one example, opposing sides 166 form anapproximate flat and square surface that extend in approximate parallelspaced relation to one another. The planes formed by narrow stop end 162and wide stop end 164 extend in approximate perpendicular alignment tothe planes formed by opposing sides 166. In this way, when viewed fromabove or below, main body 160 of narrow rip stop 34 forms a generallysquare or rectangular member, although in the arrangement shown, mainbody 160 is much longer than it is wide.

The lower surface 168 of narrow rip stop 34 forms a generally flat planethat is configured to engage and sit in a generally flat manner on theupper surface of benchtop 24, although in the arrangement shown, theplane formed by the lower surface 168 is formed by a skeletonizedframework of frame members as to reduce material costs and weight of thenarrow rip stop 34 while providing strength and rigidity. The flat lowersurface 168 of narrow rip stop 134 also includes a connection feature170. Connection feature 170 is formed of any suitable, size, shape anddesign and is configured to be received within the centrally positionedgroove 72 in the upper surface of table track 66. In this way, theengagement of connection feature 170 with groove 72 precisely aligns thenarrow rip stop 34 with the table track 66, which precisely aligns thenarrow rip stop 34 with the saw track 26, the grid of bench dog holes60, the edge tracks 54 and the other features of the benchtop 24. In thearrangement shown, connection feature 170 is an elongated protrusionthat extends downward from the lower surface 168 of narrow rip stop 34 adistance. In the arrangement shown, as one example, the elongatedprotrusion of connection feature 170 extends all or the majority of thelength of the lower surface 168 of narrow rip stop 34 from narrow stopend 162 to wide stop end 164. The width of connection feature 170 issized to fit within the groove 72 of table track 66 with close and tighttolerances thereby providing accurate alignment of the narrow rip stop34 to the table track 54. Similarly, the extended length of connectionfeature 170 provides precise alignment of the narrow rip stop 34 to thetable track 54.

In one arrangement, narrow rip stop 34 includes a fastener 172 thatengages and locks to the groove 72 of table track 66 thereby locking theposition of narrow rip stop 34 relative to the table track 66 and thebenchtop 24. In one arrangement, this fastener 172 includes a head 173that fits within the T-slot of the groove 72 of table track 66 andextends upward therefrom through the main body 160 of narrow rip stop 34adjacent the wide stop end 164. The upper end of fastener 172 connectsto a knob 174 that is used to tighten the narrow rip stop 34 to thetable track 66 once the narrow rip stop 34 is in its desired position.

Narrow rip stop 34 is reversible. That is, as is shown in FIG. 61, thenarrow stop end 162 may extend toward the saw track 26 when cutting of anarrower workpiece 42. In contrast, as is shown in FIG. 62, the widestop end 164 may extend toward the saw track 26 when cutting a widerworkpiece 42. The narrow stop end 162 is has a narrower vertical heightthan the wide stop end 164. This narrower vertical height of narrow stopend 162 is narrower than the thickness of most workpieces 42. Thisnarrow vertical height of narrow stop end 162 allows the narrow stop end162 to extend under the saw track 26 during a cutting operation toengage and stop an rearward edge of a narrow workpiece 42. By the narrowstop end 162 being vertically narrower than the workpiece 42 that isbeing cut, this ensures that the saw track 26 engages the upper surfaceof the workpiece 42 and not the narrow rip stop 34, thereby ensuringthat the saw track grips and holds onto the workpiece 42 ensuring theworkpiece 42 does not move during a cutting operation. In somearrangements, ¼ inch sheet material is the narrowest commonly cut sheetmaterial and in this arrangement the narrow stop end 164 is equal to orslightly less than this material thickness. In some arrangements, ⅜ inchsheet material is the narrowest commonly cut sheet material and in thisarrangement the narrow stop end 164 is equal to or slightly less thanthis material thickness. In some arrangements, ½ inch sheet material isthe narrowest commonly cut sheet material and in this arrangement thenarrow stop end 164 is equal to or slightly less than this materialthickness. Any other thickness for narrow stop end 164 is herebycontemplated for use to cut corresponding thicknesses of workpiece 42.The narrow stop end 162 extends forward a distance from the wide stopend 164 and knob 174 so as to facilitate cutting extremely narrow slicesof workpiece 42.

The wide stop end 164 has a taller vertical height than the narrow stopend 162. In addition, the wide stop end 164 includes the knob 174 thatextends upward therefrom as well. Because the wide stop end 164 does notextend under the saw track 26, the height of the wide stop end 164 isnot restricted. However, by spinning narrow rip top 43 around such thatthe wide stop end 164 is toward the saw track 26, this allows widerworkpieces 42 to be cut on the benchtop 24 using narrow rip stop 34.

In one arrangement, when using narrow rip stop end 162 workpieces 42between 0″ to 10″ can be cut, whereas, when using wide rip stop end 164workpieces 42 between 6″ and 25″ can be cut.

To facilitate on-table measurement, table track 66 includes twomeasuring members 78, which in the arrangement shown, as one example,are two measuring tapes, one received in each measuring groove 76positioned on each side of the centrally positioned groove 72 thatreceives fastener 172 and head 173 of narrow rip stop 34. One of thesemeasuring members 78 is configured and calibrated to measure thethickness of workpiece 42 when narrow rip stop 34 is used in an underthe saw track 26 narrow workpiece configuration (where the narrow stopend 162 faces the saw track 26). Whereas the other of these measuringmembers 78 is configured and calibrated to measure the thickness ofworkpiece 42 when narrow rip stop 34 is not used in an under the sawtrack 26 narrow workpiece configuration (where the wide stop end 164faces the saw track 26).

In the arrangement shown, as one example, narrow rip stop 34 includes anidentifier 326 that indicates where the measurement reading should betaken. In the arrangement shown, as one example, identifier 326 is anarrow pointing toward one side of the wide stop end 164 that indicateswhere the measurement reading should be made on measuring members 78.That is, the measurement reading should be made at the overlappingintersection of the wide rip stop end 164 and the below-positionedmeasuring member 78. In the arrangement shown, as one example,identifier 326 is on the left side of knob 174, however any otherposition is hereby contemplated for use. As the identifier 326 is on oneside of knob 174 as the narrow rip stop 324 is rotated from a narrowworkpiece configuration to a wide workpiece configuration the identifier326 changes sides and therefore changes measuring members 78. As theidentifier 326 changes sides the different measuring members 78 havedifferent readings so as to accommodate for the distance between theforward most point of narrow rip stop 34 (which is either narrow stopend 162 or wide stop end 164) and the cutting edge 98 of saw track 26.In this way, a precise measurement can be made on the tabletop itself,even when cutting a workpiece 42 that is completely under saw track 26.That is, in a narrow cut arrangement, the measurement reading is takenbehind the narrow rip stop 34, whereas in a wide cut arrangement, themeasurement reading is taken in front of the narrow rip stop 34. In bothcases, the measurement reading is taken directly on the tabletop orbenchtop 24 itself.

It is noted that identifier 326 may be on either side of narrow ripstops 34, or said another, way, the system 10 is agnostic as to whichside of table track is for wide cuts and which side is for narrow cuts.In an alternative arrangement, instead of two tapes being used asmeasuring members 78 in two separate measuring grooves 76, it is herebycontemplated for use that only a single tape is used as measuring member78 in a single measuring groove 76. In this arrangement, the singlemeasuring member 78 has markings for both narrow cuts as well as widecuts, as well as mark 204 for wide rip stops 36. In this arrangement,identifier 326 of narrow rip stops 34 accommodate this arrangement andpoint to the right position on this single measuring member 78 when usedin a narrow cut arrangement as well as when used in a wide cutarrangement. This arrangement, using only a single measuring member 78in a single measuring groove 76 provides the benefit that only a singlemeasuring member 78 needs to be calibrated to the benchtop 24 and/orcutting edge 98.

In one arrangement, wherein two table tracks 66 are embedded withinbenchtop 24, two narrow rip stops 34 may be used independently of eachother. That is, the two narrow rip stops 34 may be measured and set inplace independently of one another and locked in place by tighteningknob 174 which pulls connection feature 170 into groove 72 of tabletrack 66 thereby securing the narrow rip stop 34 in place. Oncetightened in place, the forward facing end of narrow rip stop 34 is usedto engage an edge of a workpiece 42 thereby stopping the rearwardmovement of the workpiece 42 at the precise position that is read at theidentifier 362 so that a cutting operation can be performed on theworkpiece 42.

In an alternative arrangement, two narrow rip stops 34 may be connectedtogether and used in unison by extending a connection member 176 acrosstwo narrow rip stops 34. Connecting connection member 176 across twonarrow rip stops 34 provides an extended stop surface to engage narrowworkpieces 42 and to provide increased alignment. Connection member 176is formed of any suitable size, shape and design. In one arrangement, asis shown, connection member 176, when viewed from above or below, is agenerally elongated rectangular member with straight sides 178 thatextend in approximate parallel spaced relation to one another. In thearrangement shown, as one example, connection member 176 connects to theinward facing sides of the narrow ends of opposed narrow rip stops 34such that the forward facing side 178 of connection member 176 is flatand in flush planar alignment to the narrow stop end 162.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, connection member 176 hasapproximately the same height as the narrow stop end 162 of narrow ripstop 34. By having the same height as narrow stop end 162, this allowsconnection member 176, like narrow stop end 162, to extend under the sawtrack 26 to cut narrow workpieces 42. In the arrangement shown, whenassembled, the plane formed by one side 178 of the connection member 176is in flat and flush engagement with the plane formed by the narrow stopend 162. In this way, the combination of the narrow stop ends 162 of thenarrow rip stops 34 coupled with the side 178 of the connection member176 provides an elongated stop surface for precisely engaging andguiding a workpiece 42. In the arrangement shown, the lower surface ofconnection member 176 forms a flat plane that is configured to slideover the top surface of benchtop 24, although in the arrangement shown,the plane formed by the lower surface is formed by a skeletonizedframework of frame members to as to reduce material costs and weight ofthe connection member 176.

Connection member 176 connects to narrow rip stops 34 by any manner,method or means. In one arrangement, as is shown, as one example, adovetail joint arrangement is used, however any other manner ofconnecting two components together is hereby contemplated for use suchas screws, bolts or other fasteners, snap fitting features, or any otherlocking or friction-fitting or engagement arrangement or the like or anycombination thereof. In the arrangement shown, wherein a dovetail jointis used, recesses 180 (also known as tail cut sections of a dovetailjoint) are positioned in each side of the narrow stop end 162 of narrowrip stop 34 that are configured to receive a protrusion 182 in the ends182 of connection member 176.

This arrangement, wherein a dovetail joint is used to connect connectionmember 176 to narrow rip stops 34 provides the benefits of fast and easyattachment of the connection member 176 to the narrow rip stops 34, aswell as quick and easy removal of the connection member 176 from thenarrow rip stops 34. In addition, by placing a recess 180 in each sideof the narrow rip stop 34 this allows attachment of the connectionmember 176 to either side of the narrow rip stop 34 and it alsofacilitates the connection of two connection members 176 to a singlenarrow rip stop 34 (in the arrangement wherein benchtop 24 includesthree table tracks 66, or the like arrangement). Another benefit ofusing a dovetail joint arrangement is that there are no additional partsto use or misplace, such as is the case with the use of screws, bolts orother fasteners.

In one arrangement, wherein dovetail joints are used to connect theconnection member 176 to narrow rip stops 34, the recesses 180 and theprotrusions 182 narrow as they extend downward. When this arrangement isused, the farther the connection member 176 is inserted into the narrowrip stops 34 the tighter the connection. In addition, in onearrangement, this narrowing of the dovetail features as they extenddownward prevents the connection member 176 from passing through therecesses 180 in the narrow rip stops 34. This allows a user to pick upthe narrow rip stop 34 and the connection member 176 will move with thenarrow rip stop 34. Another benefit of using a dovetail jointarrangement is that it is strong and provides precise alignment of theconnection member 176 with the narrow rip stop 34.

It is desirable to use three points of contact to secure a workpiece 42during cutting. This most often takes the form of engaging the workpiece42 with two bench dogs 60, one bench dog positioned under the saw track26 and one bench dog 60 positioned rearward of the saw track 36, and astop member, such as narrow rip stop 34. However, two bench dogs 60cannot be used in the example of cutting a narrow workpiece 42. Thisarrangement, with the use of connection member 176 extending across twonarrow rip stops 34, is useful and provides stable support for a narrowworkpiece 42 and takes the place of engaging the workpiece 42 with twobench dogs 60 as there is an elongated area or plane of engagementbetween the rearward edge of the workpiece 42 and the forward facingedge of the narrow rip stops 34 and connection member 176. Thisarrangement of using connecting member 176 also is helpful for cuttingsmall workpieces 42 that are small laterally and width-wise (such as isshown in FIG. 65) as the connection member 176 supports an entire sideof the narrow workpiece 42.

By placing a bench dog 32, 33 under the saw track, as close to thecutting edge 98 as possible, this provides a stop surface for workpiece42 to push against. The farther this stop surface is away from thecutting edge 98 the greater the potential for the workpiece 42 to rotateduring cutting. Said another way, the closer the stop surface is to thecutting edge 98 the less moment there is and the less potential there isfor the workpiece 42 to rotate and therefore the more accurate the cutis.

Wide Rip Stops:

With reference to FIGS. 66-75, in one arrangement, system 10 includesone or more wide rip stops 36. Wide rip stops 36 are formed of anysuitable size, shape and design and are configured to facilitate quickand easy and accurate placement and measurement of workpiece 42 that islonger than the forward to back length of benchtop 24 for a cuttingoperation. In the arrangement shown, two wide rip stops 36 areconfigured to be used in association with benchtop 24 and saw track 26,with one wide rip stop 36 connected to each table track 66 as is furtherdescribed herein.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, wide rip stops 36 include anarm 186 and a head 188. Arm 186 is formed of any suitable size shape anddesign and is configured to facilitate extension of head 188 beyond therearward edge of benchtop 24. In the arrangement shown, as one example,arm 186 is an elongated member that extends from a forward end 190 to arearward end 192. Arm 186 is sized and shaped to fit within groove 72 oftable track 66 with close and tight tolerances while allowing arm 186 toslide in and slide out of groove 72 of table track 66. In thearrangement shown, as one example, arm 186 is a generally rectangularshaped elongated bar formed of a solid metallic material such asaluminum, however any other size, shape and configuration is herebycontemplated for use. Head 188 is connected adjacent the rearward end192 of arm 186. In the arrangement shown, as one example, thecross-sectional shape of arm 186 is rectangular and matches thecross-sectional shape of groove 72. In one arrangement, as is shown, theupper surface of arm 186 includes measuring indicia 194 thereon, such asmeasurement markings, a measuring tape or any other indicia, that isused to measure the width of a cut using wide rip stop 36. In onearrangement, measuring indicia 194 is a tape, tape measure, sticker orother marking that is attached or adhered to the upper surface of arm186, alternatively measuring indicia 194 is printed directly onto theupper surface of arm 186, alternatively measuring indicia 194 is etcheddirectly into the upper surface of arm 186. Any other arrangement orconfiguration is hereby contemplated for use as measuring indicia 194.However directly printing or directly etching the measuring indicia 194into the upper surface of arm 186 has been found to provide optimumaccuracy.

Head 188 is connected to the rearward end 192 of arm 186. Head 188 isformed of any suitable size shape and design and is configured to engagea rearward edge of a workpiece 42 so that the width of the cut may bemeasured by measuring indicia 194 of arm 186. In the arrangement shown,as one example, head 188 includes a stop surface 196 positioned at itsforward side. In the arrangement shown, as one example, stop surface 196is a generally flat surface that extends in approximate perpendicularalignment to the length of arm 186, which when in place within tabletrack 66 extends in approximate parallel spaced alignment to cuttingedge 98 of saw track 26. This stop surface 196 extends upward from theupper surface of arm 186 so as to engage an edge of workpiece 42.

Head 188 is connected to arm 186 by any manner, method or means. In thearrangement shown, as one example, head 188 includes two openings 198that are configured to receive fasteners 200 therein that are configuredto engage openings 202 in arm 186 thereby connecting head 188 to arm 186in a precise manner so as to ensure accurate measurement. Fasteners 200may be formed of any fastening device such as screws, bolts, snapfeatures, lock members or any other device. Head 188 and arm 186 may beconnected by any other rigid and durable connection method or means.

Arm 186 is configured to be inserted within groove 72 of table track 66.In one arrangement, arm 186 extends forward from the stop surface 196 ofhead 188 approximately the length of table track 66, so as to providemaximum extension of wide rip stop 36 beyond the upper surface ofbenchtop 24. That is, in one arrangement, when wide rip stop 36 is in afully retracted state, arm 186 is fully inserted within groove 72 oftable track 66, the forward end 190 of arm 186 is near or adjacent theforward end 68 of table track 66. In contrast, when wide rip stop 36 isin a fully extended state, the majority of arm 186 extends past therearward end 70 of table track 66 with only a small portion of overlapbetween the forward end 190 of arm 186 and groove 72 of table track 66.By having arm 186 have approximately the same length as table track 66,this allows the maximum range of motion and extension and allowsworkpieces 42 to be measured approximately twice as wide as the forwardto back length of table track 66, which is substantially wider than theforward to back width of benchtop 24. In this way, the use of wide ripstops 36 allows for measurement of wide workpieces 42 using a muchsmaller benchtop 24. As such, the space requirements for the benchtop 24are much smaller than the measuring capabilities and cuttingcapabilities of the benchtop 24. In one arrangement, when using wide ripstops 36 workpieces 42 up to 48″ can measured and cut accurately.

The cut width of workpieces 42 is measured using wide rip stops 36 byfirst calibrating the measuring members 78 of table tracks 66 to thebenchtop 24 in the manners described herein. One of the measuringmembers 78 includes a wide rip stop mark 204. The width of the cut ofworkpiece 42 is measured from this mark 204. That is, once the measuringmember 78 of table tracks 66 are properly calibrated to benchtop 24 andcutting edge 98, a user measures the width of the cut using wide ripstops 36 by setting the desired cut width by the reading of themeasuring indicia 194 in the upper surface of the arm 186 adjacent tothe mark 204. The further wide rip stop 36 is inserted within tabletrack 66 the narrower the cut width, the further wide rip stop 36 isextended out of table track 66 the wider the cut width.

A lock member 206 is used in association with wide rip stop 36 to securethe position of the wide rip stop 36 once wide rip stop 36 is set at itsdesired position. Lock member 206 is formed of any suitable size, shapeand design and is configured to lock the position of wide rip stop 36 inplace such that it does not move once the proper measurement is set. Inthe arrangement shown, as one example, lock member 206 includes a handle208 having a cam surface 210 on an opposite side of an axis of rotation212 from handle 208. A fastener 214 extends through the handle 208 atthe axis of rotation 212 and establishes the point at which lock member206 rotates. Fastener 214 extends through handle 208 and connects to ablock 216. Block 216 is configured to fit within and slide along thegroove 58 in the side of edge track 54.

Lock member 206 is used by sliding the block 216 of lock member 206 intothe groove 58 of edge track 54 until the lock member 206 is positionedbelow the arm 186 of wide rip stop 36. Once lock member 206 is in thisposition below arm 186 of wide rip stop 36 fastener 214 is tightened inplace within groove 58 of edge track 54 thereby locking the position ofwide rip stop 36. Next, the wide rip stop 36 is set to its desiredposition by pulling the head 188 outward from the table track 66 suchthat the arm 186 slides within the groove 72 of table track 66. The head188 is moved rearward until the measuring indicia 194 in the uppersurface of the arm 186 at the precise point of mark 204 reads thedesired width of cut. Once in this position, the handle 208 is rotateddownward upon the fastener 214 and axis of rotation 212. This causes thecam surface 210 to engage the bottom surface of the arm 186. As thehandle 208 is rotated downward, the cam surface 210 increasingly pushesupward on the arm 186 which causes increased engagement between arm 186and groove 72, thereby locking the arm 186 in place at the desiredmeasurement. Once in this position, the position of wide rip stop 36 isfirmly locked in place and as such it will not move when engaged by theedge of a workpiece 42 during cutting thereby allowing for multiple andrepeated accurate cuts on multiple workpieces 42. In the arrangementshown, as one example, the cam surface 210 is at its fullest engagementwhen handle 208 is in a vertical, downward, orientation, however anyother arrangement is hereby contemplated for use. One benefit of thisarrangement is that the handle 208 may be rotated in either direction,clockwise or counterclockwise, to engage and disengage the lock member206.

One wide rip stop 36 may be used with each table track 66. That is, inthe arrangement shown, as one example, for narrow workpieces 42 a singlewide rip stop 36 may be used. For wider workpieces 42 two wide rip stops36 may be used. Any number of table tracks 66 and wide rip stops 36 arehereby contemplated for use.

Miter Gauge:

In one arrangement system 10 includes a miter gauge 38. Miter gauge 38is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and are configured tofacilitate quick and easy and accurate angular cuts of workpiece 42 inassociation with benchtop 24. In the arrangement shown, twoconfigurations of a miter gauge 38 are presented. With reference toFIGS. 76, 77, 78. 79, 80, 83 and 84 a miter gauge 38 is presented thatis configured to connect to benchtop 24 through connection to bench dogholes 60. While this arrangement is effective, in the event thatbenchtop 24 swells or shrinks or otherwise dimensionally changes, thesedimensional changes can affect the accuracy of a miter gauge 38connected to bench dog holes 60 in the benchtop 24. As such, withreference to FIGS. 81, 82 and 88 a miter gauge 38 is presented thatconnects to table tracks 66, which may be a more-accurate manner ofconnecting miter gauge 38 to benchtop 24 as compared to the use of benchdog holes 60.

Connected To Bench Dog Holes: With reference to FIGS. 76, 77, 78, 79,80, 83 and 84, a miter gauge 38 is presented that is configured toconnect to benchtop 24 through connection to bench dog holes 60. In thisarrangement, the miter gauge 38 includes the component parts of a base218 and a guide 220. Base 218 is formed of any suitable size, shape anddesign and is configured to be attached to benchtop 24. Guide 220 isformed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured torotate upon base 218 to the desired angle of a cut of workpiece 42.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, base 218 has a generallyplanar main body 222 that is configured to be attached to benchtop 24 byway of the insertion of bench dogs 32 through the main body 222 and intothe benchtop 24. In the arrangement shown, as one example, main body 222includes a pair of ears 224 that include openings 226 that are spacedapart so as to match the spacing of bench dog holes 60 in benchtop 24and are sized and shaped to receive bench dogs 32 there through withclose and tight tolerances. In this arrangement, base 218 is attached tobenchtop 24 by aligning the openings 226 of ears 224 of base 218 withtwo bench dog openings 60 in benchtop 24 and inserting bench dogs 32there through. In this way not only is the base 218 attached to thebenchtop 24, but the base 218 is aligned with the grid of bench dogholes 60 and as the base 222 is aligned with the grid of bench dog holes60, the base 218 is aligned with the saw track 26, edge tracks 54, tabletracks 66 and the other aligned features of system 10.

Base 218 includes an opening 228 that receives a fastener 230 thatextends through a similar opening 228 in guide 220 and is configured toconnect guide 220 to base 218 as well as act as an axis of rotationthereby facilitating rotation of guide 22 with respect to base 218thereby setting the angle of cut of workpiece 42. Base 218 includes aslot 232 and associated measuring indicia 234. In the arrangement shown,slot 232 is a curved slot the extends in curved fashion along a rearwardedge of main body 222 and is configured to receive a lock member 236therein that is configured to lock the position of guide 220 withrespect to base 218 when guide 220 is placed at the desired angularpositioning for a cut. Measuring indicia 234 is configured to identifythe angle at which guide 220 is positioned with respect to base 218. Inthe arrangement shown, lock member 236 includes a fastener 238 thatextends through both an opening 239 in guide 220 as well as the slot 232of base 218 and connects to a knob 240 that is used to tighten the guide220 to the base 218.

Guide 220 includes a main body 242 having an arm 244. An indicator 246is connected to arm 244 and is configured to indicate the angle at whichguide 220 is positioned with respect to base 218. In the arrangementshown, indicator 246 is an adjustable member with a pointer 248 that isconfigured to point at the measuring indicia 234 of base 218 thatindicates the angle of guide 220 with respect to base 218. In thearrangement shown, indicator 246 includes a slot 250 that is configureda fastener 252 that extends through the indicator 246 and anchors in thearm 244 of guide 220 so as to allow slight adjustment of the indicator246 so as to facilitate calibration of the indicator 246 to the precisealignment of the benchtop 24.

Guide 220 includes a stop arm 254 on a side opposite arm 244 andindicator 246. In the arrangement shown, as one example, stop arm 254 isan elongated member that extends a length between opposing ends 256 andforms an elongated stop surface 258 that extends on a side opposite arm244 and indicator 246. In the arrangement shown, as one example, stopsurface 258 forms a flat and straight surface that extends in acontinuous and perpendicular manner to the surfaces formed by ends 256of stop arm 254. In the arrangement shown, as one example, when viewedfrom above or below, stop arm 254 has a generally rectangular shape,however any other shape is hereby contemplated for use.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, an upper groove 260 and lowergroove 262 extend along all or a portion of the stop arm 254 adjacentthe stop surface 258. The upper groove 260 is positioned in the uppersurface of stop arm 254 and the lower groove 262 is positioned in thelower surface of stop arm 254. A stop member 264 is connected to stoparm 254 by engagement with upper groove 260 and lower groove 262.

That is, in the arrangement shown, stop member 264 includes a main body266 having a channel 268 that extends between opposing ends 270 of stopmember 264. In one arrangement, as is shown, channel 268 extends inapproximate perpendicular alignment between opposing ends 270, and ends270 form planes that extend in approximate parallel spaced planaralignment with one another. In the arrangement shown, channel 268 issized and shaped to receive and slide over the end of stop arm 254 thatforms stop surface 258. When stop member 264 is in place on stop arm254, flanges 272 at the upper and lower sides of channel 268 are engagedwith and received within the upper groove 260 and lower groove 262. Inthis position, stop member 264 may slide along the length of uppergroove 260 and lower groove 262.

Stop member 264 includes an opening 274 that is configured to receive afastener 276, such as a screw, bolt or other fastening member. Opening274 and fastener 276 cooperate to selectively lock stop member 264 inplace along stop arm 254 when stop member 264 is in its desiredposition. That is, when fastener 276 is tightened it presses againststop arm 254 thereby locking the stop member 264 in place. By doing so,multiple workpieces 42 may be cut at the same length at the same angle.

Connected To Bench Table Tracks: With reference to FIGS. 81 and 82, asimilar miter gauge 38 is presented to that shown in FIGS. 76, 77, 78,79, 80, 83 and 84. The miter gauge 38 shown in FIGS. 81 and 82 isconfigured to connect to benchtop 24 through connection to the groove 72in a table track 66 (instead of connecting to dog holes 60). In thisarrangement, the miter gauge 38 includes the same or a similararrangement of parts as that presented above, with the difference beingthat base 218 includes a pair of openings 278 that are configured toreceive a fastener 238 there through that connects the base 218 to atable track 66. As such, unless specifically stated otherwise, theteachings of the bench dog miter gauge 38 apply to and are incorporatedinto the table track miter gauge 38.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, fasteners 238 include a head280 that is sized and shaped to fit within the groove 72 of table track66 and slide along the groove 72 in table track 66. Once the miter gauge38 is in its desired position, knobs 240 connected to both fasteners 238that extend through both openings 278. As knob 240 is tightened uponfastener 238, base 218 is tightened against table track 266 therebylocking miter gauge 38 in place on benchtop 24. By using table track 66to affix miter gauge 38 to benchtop 24 this provides a more accurateconnection than using bench dog holes 60. Another advantage of attachingthe miter gauge 38 to table tracks 66 is that the miter gauge 38 hasinfinite adjustability when attached to a table track 66 as the mitergauge 38 may be slid to any position along the length of table track 66.

In one arrangement, regardless of the manner of connection of the mitergauge 38 to benchtop 24, the forward end of stop arm 254 has a narrowheight, similar to the height of the narrow stop end 162 of narrow ripstop 34, so that the forward end of stop arm 254 may be inserted underthe saw track 26 without interfering with engagement between the sawtrack 26 and the workpiece 42 for most common thicknesses of workpieces42. This use case is shown in FIG. 85 as one example. The thin verticalheight of the forward end of stop arm 254 allows for the stop arm 254 toprovide support and guidance to the workpiece 42 up to close to thecutting edge 98 of saw Track 26. This allows precise alignment andguidance as well as facilitates cutting of narrow workpieces 42 at anangle using the system 10. This provides a great benefit as it isdesirable to provide support to workpiece 42 as close to the cuttingedge 98 as possible. This is especially true for angled cuts. Thisenhances the accuracy of angled cuts and helps to prevent and/or limitmovement of workpiece 42 during cutting. In the arrangement shown, asone example, the upper groove 260 and lower groove 262 of stop arm 254do not extend down to the forward end of stop arm 254 so as to allow theforward end of stop arm 254 to extend under the saw track 26 withoutengagement or interference by the presence of stop member 264.

Bench Dogs: Bench dogs 32 are used in association with benchtop 24 andare configured to provide stop surfaces for workpieces 42 while alsoproviding alignment to workpieces 42 by way of being aligned with thegrid of bench dog holes 60 in benchtop 24 which are aligned to the sawtrack 26, edge tracks 54, table tracks 66 and other features of benchtop24. Bench dogs 32 are formed of any suitable size, shape and design. Inthe arrangement shown, with reference to FIG. 16, bench dogs 32 includea cylindrical shaft 282 that is sized and shaped to fit within bench dogholes 60 in benchtop 24 within close and tight tolerances and a widercylindrical head 284. In view of these tight tolerances, between theshaft 282 and the diameter of bench dog holes 60, in one arrangement, asis shown, bench dogs 32 include a chamfered lower edge that helps tofacilitate the insertion of the bench dog 32 into a bench dog hole 60.The head 284 of bench dog 32 is wider than the shaft 282 and thereforethe intersection of the head 284 and shaft 282 form a perpendicularshoulder that engages the upper surface of the benchtop 24 in flat andflush engagement upon insertion of the bench dog 32 into a bench doghole 60.

In the arrangement shown, there are two forms of a bench dog 32, astandard bench dog 32 (or simply “bench dog 32”) and a short bench dog33. Standard bench dogs 32 are configured to be used in open space onthe benchtop 24 and therefor the height of head 284 is not restricted.As such, in one arrangement, the head 284 may be any height, and it maybe as tall as the shaft 282.

In contrast, short bench dogs 33 are configured to be used under sawtrack 26 so as to provide a stop surface for workpiece 42 as close tocutting edge 98 as possible while not interfering with the lowering ofsaw track 26. This placement provides optimum accuracy and a minimummoment on workpiece 42 during cutting. As short bench dogs 33 areconfigured to be placed under saw track 26, the head 284 of short benchdogs 33 are configured to be equal to or shorter than the thickness ofmost workpieces 42. This shorter or narrower vertical height of head 284of short bench dog 32 allows the short bench dog 32 to be placed underthe saw track 26 during a cutting operation to engage a side of a shortor thin or narrow workpiece 42 without interfering with the saw track 26engaging and holding the workpiece 42. By the head 284 of short benchdog 32 being vertically equal to or shorter or narrower than theworkpiece 42 that is being cut, this ensures that the saw track 26engages the upper surface of the workpiece 42, thereby ensuring that thesaw track grips and holds onto the workpiece 42 ensuring the workpiece42 does not move during a cutting operation. In some arrangements, ¼inch sheet material is the thinnest or narrowest commonly cut sheetmaterial and in this arrangement the head 284 of short bench dog 32 isequal to or slightly less than this material thickness. In somearrangements, ⅜ inch sheet material is the thinnest or narrowestcommonly cut sheet material and in this arrangement the head 284 ofshort bench dog 32 is equal to or slightly less than this materialthickness. In some arrangements, ½ inch sheet material is the thinnestor narrowest commonly cut sheet material and in this arrangement thehead 284 of short bench dog 32 is equal to or slightly less than thismaterial thickness. Any other thickness for narrow stop end 164 ishereby contemplated for use. In one arrangement, the head 284 of shortbench dog 33 is half or less than half the height of the head 284 ofstandard bench dog 32. In one arrangement, head 284 of short bench dog32 is of approximately equal height to the height of other components ofthe system 10 that are configured to be used under saw track 26including narrow stop end 162 of narrow rip stop 34 and the narrow end256 of stop arm 254 of miter gauge 38.

Under Saw Track Measurement and Alignment: One of the substantialbenefits of the system 10 presented herein is its ability to accuratelymeasure and cut workpieces 42 on the benchtop 24 or tabletop itself.This includes measuring and cutting thin or narrow workpieces 42. Toaccomplish this, alignment and measurement of workpieces 42 isfacilitated as close to the cutting edge 98 as possible. To accomplishthis, in some applications, the measurement member or alignment memberis positioned beneath the saw track 26 and near the cutting edge 98 ofsaw 40. More specifically, the system 10 allows a workpiece 42 to bestopped close to the cutting edge 98 by placing a short bench dog 33under the saw track 26, which is shown in FIG. 65. As is shown in FIG.65, the system 10 also allows a workpiece 42 to be precisely measuredand cut, under the saw track 26, by having the narrow stop end 162 ofnarrow rip stop 34 extend under the saw track 26, either individuallyand in association with connection member 176 that also extends underthe saw track 26 and connects a pair of narrow rip stops 34. The system10 also allows for the forward end of stop arm 254 of miter gauge 38 toextend under saw track 26 and guide workpiece 42 to ensure optimumaccuracy during an angle cut, which is shown in FIG. 85. As such, thecombination of the these components and their heights that are coupledto the narrowest workpiece 42 or narrowest standard workpiece 42 (suchas ¼ inch, ⅓ inch, 3.8 inch, ½ inch or the like) facilitates optimumaccuracy and the broadest range of capabilities.

Use Case: Installation and Calibration of Saw Track to Benchtop, andCalibration of Measuring Members of Table Tracks to Benchtop:

With reference to FIGS. 37, 38, 39 and 40 one manner or method ofcalibrating the saw track 26 to the features of benchtop 24 (such astable tracks 66, edge tracks 54 and the grid of bench dog holes 60) ispresented.

The saw 40 is calibrated to the saw track 26 by making an initial passof the blade of saw 40 along the length of saw track 26. This initialpass is done off of and away from the benchtop 24. This cuts a portionof the chip strip 108 to fit precisely with the blade of saw 40. Havingthe blade of saw 40 fit precisely to the outward end of chip strip 108means that the outward end of chip strip 108 supports the material ofworkpiece 42 as close as possible to the blade of saw 40. This has theresult of reducing chipping or what is known as “tear out” duringcutting which provides accurate and desirable cuts in workpiece 42

With reference to FIG. 37, bench dogs 32 are placing in calibrationholes 62, which in the arrangement shown, includes one calibration hole62 in each of the outward forward corners of benchtop 24. Mountingplates 122 of hinge members 28 are installed onto the left and rightedge tracks 54 by inserting fasteners 128 into groove 58 of edge tracks54 and inserting the alignment feature 134 into the alignment receiver136 of benchtop 24 and tightening the mounting plate 122 using nuts 130.

With reference to FIGS. 38 and 39, once the mounting plate 122 isinstalled on benchtop 24, end plates 138, with the attached saw track 26are installed on mounting plates 122. This is accomplished by aligningthe slot 148 of main body 144 of end plates 138 with the secondprotrusion 142 of mounting plates 122. Once the second protrusion 142 ofmounting plate 122 is positioned within the slot 148 of end plate 138the knob 150 is tightened upon the fastener 128 that extends throughslot 148.

The height of the end plates 138 are adjusted such that the bottomsurface of the saw track 26 engages the top surface of the benchtop 24when the hinge members 28 are in a lowered position. This isaccomplished by vertically sliding the end plates 138 upon mountingplates 122 and locking the end plates 138 in vertical position bytightening knob 150 once end plates 138 are in their desired verticalposition.

Next, with the saw track 26 in a lowered position, the saw track 26 isslid forward until the calibrated cutting edge 98 of the chip strip 108of saw track 26 engages the edges of the bench dogs 32 in calibrationholes 62. This movement causes the alignment feature 134 to move forwardwithin the alignment receiver 136. When bias member 322 is present, thisis partially accomplished by the bias force applied by biasing member322. Once in this position, with cutting edge 98 in engagement with thebench dogs 32 in calibration holes 62, the nuts 130 passing through themounting plates 122 are tightened thereby locking the lateral orforward-to-back position of the mounting plates 122, the end plates 138and the saw track 26 with respect to benchtop 24 by tightening thelateral position of these components to edge tracks 54.

With reference to FIG. 40, once the position of the saw track 26 iscalibrated, a test cut is made by passing the saw 40 along the saw track26 thereby cutting a first groove in the top surface of the sacrificialbenchtop 24. The rearward edge of this cut in the benchtop 24 is thenused to calibrate the measuring members 78 of table tracks 66.Alternatively, the cutting edge 98 itself can be used to calibrate themeasuring members 78 of table tracks 66. More specifically, ameasurement is made from the rearward edge of the cut in the tabletop 24rearward, and the measuring members 78 are adjusted to cause themeasurements on the measuring members 78 to correspond to the distancefrom the rearward edge of the cut in the benchtop 24. This may beaccomplished by using a tape measure in the groove of the cut in thebenchtop 24 and then adjusting the measuring members 78, by sliding themwithin the measuring grooves 76 until the readings on the tape measurealign with the measurements in the measuring members 78. Movement of themeasuring members 78 may be accomplished by depressing the bias member92 of lock member 82 of table track 66 and sliding the measuring member78 to the desired location. Once the user has moved the measuringmembers 78 to the proper calibrated position, the user releases the biasmember 92 of lock members 82 of table tracks 66 which then presses up onthe measuring member 78 thereby locking the measuring members 78 intheir precisely calibrated position. In this way, the measurements ofthe measuring members 78 of table tracks 66 are calibrated to thebenchtop 24 and the cutting edge 98 of saw track 26. Simultaneously, themeasurements of the narrow rip stops 34 and wide rip stops 36 arecalibrated as they depend upon the calibration of the table tracks 66.

Use Case: Standard Cutting of Sheet Material: With reference to FIGS.41, 42 and 43, a standard perpendicular cutting operation is shown beingperformed using a workpiece 42. In this arrangement, three bench dogs 32are used to support an edge of the workpiece 42 positioned on anopposite side of the workpiece 42 from the cutting direction (thedirection the saw 40 comes from). In this arrangement, the bench dogs 32are spaced along the length of the edge of the workpiece 42 in awide-stance. That is, one bench dog 32 is positioned near the rearwardedge of the workpiece 42. One bench dog 32 is positioned near the middleof the workpiece 42. And one bench dog 33 (not visible as it is hiddenby the saw track 26, but is shown in dotted lines) is positioned nearthe cutting edge 98. In this way, optimum support is provided to theworkpiece 42 during cutting, including support positioned adjacent thecutting edge 98. These bench dogs 32 are placed in bench dog holes inthe same forward, to back row.

To perform this cutting operation, first the saw track 26 is moved to araised position by rotating the saw track 26 upon first hinge 152 andsecond hinge 156 to a raised position. If additional space is required,the handles 150 of end plates 138 of hinge members 28 are loosened andthe end plates 138 are slid upon the mounting plates 122 until the lowerend of the slot 148 of end plate 138 engages the lower end of the secondprotrusion 142 of mounting plate 122. In this position the end plates138 and saw track 26 are in a fully raised position and workpiece 42 canbe easily inserted under saw track 26 as well as removed from under sawtrack 26.

Next, the bench dogs 32 are installed in the three aligned bench dogholes 60, with standard bench dogs 32 being installed rearward of thesaw track 26, and a narrow bench dog 32 installed in the bench dog hole60 under the saw track 26.

Next, with the bench dogs 32 installed, the workpiece 42 is slid underthe saw track 26 between the hinge members 28 when the saw track 26 isin a raised position. The edge of the workpiece 42 is aligned andengaged with the three bench dogs 32 in a flat and flush arrangement.The workpiece 42 is slid also slid front to back until the placement ofthe cutting edge 98 is precisely at the desired position of the cut.

Next, once the workpiece 42 is precisely positioned, the verticalposition of the saw track 26 is adjusted for the thickness of workpiece42. This is accomplished by first moving the saw track 26 to a loweredposition by rotating the saw track 26 from a raised position to alowered position upon first hinge 152 and second hinge 156. Next, thehandles 150 of the end plates 138 are loosened and the saw track 26 islower until the lower surface of the saw track 26 engages the uppersurface of the workpiece 42. Once in this position, where the saw track26 extends in a generally horizontal manner between opposing hingemembers 28 the handles 150 are tightened thereby locking the verticalheight of the hinge members 28. This sets the height of the saw track 26precisely for the thickness of workpiece 42.

With the bottom surface of saw track 26 in flat and flush engagementwith the upper surface of the workpiece 42 the user can visually verifythat the cut will be placed in the precise desired position. This isbecause the cut will be performed precisely at the intersection of thecutting edge 98 and workpiece 42. This provides an immense benefit asthe user can visually see, double check and verify that the cut is inthe precise position.

Next, with the bottom surface of saw track 26 in flat and flushengagement with the upper surface of the workpiece 42, the saw 40 isconnected to the saw track 26 by aligning the base 104 of saw 40 withthe features in the upper surface of saw track 26. Once properly alignedthe saw 40 is passed along the length of the saw track 26 such that theblade of the saw 40 cuts along the cutting edge 98 and cuts theworkpiece 42 at the intersection of the blade of saw 40 and the cuttingedge 98 of saw track 26. As the saw 40 pushes down upon the saw track 26during a cutting operation, the saw track 26 presses down upon workpiece42 thereby clamping the workpiece 42 in place between the saw track 26and the benchtop 24. The use of the grip layer of the chip strip 108 aswell as the grip strips 110, with their high coefficient of friction,help to hold the workpiece 42 in place during cutting operation and asthe saw 40 presses down upon workpiece 42 this pressure reinforces thegrip of these grip layers which is self-reinforcing and thereby helps toprevent any relative movement during cutting.

Once the cut is made, the saw 40 is removed from saw track 26 and thesaw track 26 is quickly and easily raised by lifting up on the saw track26 which causes the saw track 26 to rotate upon first hinge 152 andsecond hinge 156 thereby moving the hinges 152, 156 from a loweredposition to a raised position. Once in a raised position, the saw track26 is in an over-center condition and remains in a raised position untilthe saw track 26 is intentionally lowered again by the user. While inthe raised position, the cut workpiece 42 may be removed and a newworkpiece 42 may be inserted. In this way, hinge members 28 and sawtrack 26 may be used to quickly cut multiple workpieces 42.

Use Case: Cutting Sheet Material at a 45° Angle: With reference to FIG.44 a 45° angle cutting operation is shown being performed using aworkpiece 42. This example is similar to the perpendicular cut exampleprovided above and as such, unless specifically stated otherwise, theteachings of the prior use case example apply to and are incorporatedinto this use case example.

In this arrangement, three bench dogs 32 are used to support an edge ofthe workpiece 42 positioned on an opposite side of the workpiece 42 fromthe cutting direction (the direction the saw 40 comes from). In thisarrangement, the bench dogs 32 are spaced along the length of the edgeof the workpiece 42 in a wide-stance. That is, one bench dog 32 ispositioned near the rearward edge of the workpiece 42. One bench dog 32is positioned near the middle of the workpiece 42. And one bench dog 33(not visible as it is hidden by the saw track 26, but is shown in dottedlines) is positioned near the cutting edge 98. In this way, optimumsupport is provided to the workpiece 42 during cutting. These bench dogs32 are placed in bench dog holes 60 one row over and one row back fromthe adjacent bench dog 32. In this way, when the workpiece 42 ispositioned in engagement with the bench dogs 32, the workpiece 42 ispositioned at a 45° angle to the cutting edge 98.

Use Case: Narrow Rip Stops Cutting Narrow Sheet Material: With referenceto FIGS. 60 and 61, a workpiece 42, which is a large sheet of material,is shown being cut using system 10. This example is similar to theperpendicular and 45° angle cut examples provided above and as such,unless specifically stated otherwise, the teachings of the prior usecase examples apply to and are incorporated into this use case example.

In this arrangement, to eliminate the need for an additional helper toperform the cuts, the outward end of workpiece 42 is supported by astand 286. Stand 286 is any device which supports workpiece 42 during acutting operation. One of the benefits of using stand 286 is that theportion that is cut off workpiece 42 does not fall, instead the cut edgeremains supported on benchtop 24. This improves safety and the accuracyand quality of the cut. In the arrangement shown, a narrow rip stop 34is attached to each table track 66. Due to the cut width of theworkpiece 42, the narrow stop end 162 of narrow rip stop 34 faces thecutting edge 98 and workpiece 42, but in the example shown in FIG. 61the narrow rip stop 34 does not extend under saw track 26, but theycould if the narrow rip stops 34 were slid forward upon table tracks 66.

To perform this cutting operation, the narrow rip stops 34 are attachedto the groove 72 in table tracks 66 by pointing the narrow stop end 162toward the saw track 26 and inserting the connection feature 170 withinthe groove 72 of table track 66 while inserting the head 173 of narrowrip stops 34 into the rearward end 70 of table track 66. Once aligned inthis manner, the narrow rip stops 34 are slid forward within groove 72of table tracks 66 until they reach their desired position. In onearrangement, the measurement reading of the measuring member 78 of tabletrack 66 may be made on the rearward side of the narrow rip stop 34,taking account for the length of the narrow rip stop 34. In anotherarrangement, the measurement reading of the measuring member 78 of tabletrack 66 may be made on the forward side of the narrow rip stop 34,which does not account for the length of the narrow rip stop 34. Eachnarrow rip stop 34 may be measured independently upon their own tabletrack 66. Or, alternatively if a connection member 176 is used only asingle measurement may be needed as the connection member 176 maymaintain the relative alignment of the connected narrow rip stops 34,however it is better to precisely measure each of the narrow rip stops34.

Once the narrow rip stops 34 are in the desired position, the knob 174is tightened thereby locking the narrow rip stop 34 to the table track66. Once in this locked position, the workpiece 42 is slid under the sawtrack 26 until the rearward edge of the workpiece 42 is engaged with theforward edges of the narrow rip stops 34. In addition, the edge of theworkpiece 42 opposite the cutting direction is placed in engagement witha bench dog 33 positioned under the saw track 26. Once in this securedposition, which is secured by three points of contact (the under the sawtrack bench dog 33 and the two narrow rip stops 34), the saw track 26 islowered on hinge members 28 thereby clamping the workpiece 42 in placeand the saw 40 is slid along the saw track 26 thereby cutting theworkpiece 42 at the desired length. Note, additional bench dogs 32 maybe used rearward of saw track 26.

Once the cut is performed, the saw track 26 is again raised by the hingemembers 28 and the workpiece 42 is removed. This process may be repeatedfor any number of workpieces 42.

In the arrangement shown, the connection member 176 could be usedwithout affecting the manner of operating.

Use Case: Narrow Rip Stops Cutting Wide Sheet Material: With referenceto FIG. 62, a similar arrangement is shown to that shown in FIG. 61,however in this arrangement, the cut-width of the workpiece 42 isgreater and requires the wide stop end 164 of narrow rip stops 34 toface the workpiece 42 and saw track 26, otherwise the cutting operationis similar if not identical to that descried with respect to FIG. 61 assuch, unless specifically stated otherwise, the teachings of the prioruse case examples apply to and are incorporated into this use caseexample. That is, the wide rip stop end 164 engages the edge of theworkpiece 42.

With reference to FIG. 63, a similar arrangement is shown to that shownin FIG. 62, as such, unless specifically stated otherwise, the teachingsof the prior use case examples apply to and are incorporated into thisuse case example. In this arrangement, the workpiece 42 is laterallynarrower than that shown in FIG. 62. Due to the laterally narrow width,the workpiece 42 only engages a single narrow rip stop 34. As it isdesirable to have the workpiece 42 engage at least three points ofcontact, two bench dogs 32 are shown, engaging the edge opposite thecutting direction. In addition, a bench dog 33 is shown in use under thesaw track 26. In this way, the proper amount of stabilization isprovided to the workpiece 42. The greater width of this workpiecerequires the wide stop end 164 of narrow rip stops 34 to face theworkpiece 42 and saw track 26, otherwise the cutting operation issimilar if not identical to that descried with respect to FIG. 62.

With reference to FIG. 64, a similar arrangement is shown to that shownin FIG. 63, however in this arrangement, the cut width (the distancebetween the rearward positioned stop surface and the cutting edge 98) ofworkpiece 42 is narrower. Due to the laterally narrow width, theworkpiece 42 only engages a single narrow rip stop 34. Due to the narrowcut width, the workpiece 42 only engages a single bench dog 32 rearwardof the saw track 26 otherwise the cutting operation is similar if notidentical to that descried with respect to FIG. 63.

Use Case: Narrow Rip Stops Under Saw Track Cutting: With reference toFIG. 65, a small workpiece 42 is shown being cut using system 10. Thisexample is similar to the prior examples, as such, unless specificallystated otherwise, the teachings of the prior use case examples apply toand are incorporated into this use case example. In the arrangementshown, two narrow rip stops 34 are connected together using connectionmember 176 and each of which are attached to a table track 66. Due tothe cut width of the workpiece 42, the narrow stop end 162 of narrow ripstop 34 faces the cutting edge 98 and workpiece 42 and the narrow stopend 162 and connection member 176 of narrow rip stops 34 extends underthe saw track 26.

To perform this cutting operation, the connection member 176 isconnected to the adjacent narrow rip stops 34 by inserting theprotrusions 182 of the connection member 176 into the recesses 180 ofthe narrow rip stops 34. Next, the narrow rip stops 34 are attached tothe groove 72 in table tracks 66 by pointing the narrow stop end 162toward the saw track 26 and inserting the connection feature 170 withinthe groove 72 of table track 66 while inserting the head 173 of narrowrip stops 34 into the rearward end 70 of table track 66. Once aligned inthis manner, the narrow rip stops 34 are slid forward within groove 72of table tracks 66 until they reach their desired position, which isunder the saw track 26. The proper position of the narrow rip stops 34is set by making a measurement reading of the measuring member 78 oftable track 66 on the rearward side of the narrow rip stop 34, which, inone arrangement, is at identifier 326, which takes account for thelength of the narrow rip stop 34. Despite being connected by connectionmember 176, each narrow rip stop 34 should be measured independentlyupon their own table track 66 to ensure optimum accuracy.

Once the narrow rip stops 34 are in the desired position, the knob 174is tightened thereby locking the narrow rip stop 34 to the table track66. Once in this locked position, the workpiece 42 is slid under the sawtrack 26 until the rearward edge of the workpiece 42 is engaged with theforward edges of the narrow rip stops 34 and/or connection member 176.In addition, where possible, the edge of the workpiece 42 opposite thecutting direction is placed in engagement with a bench dog 33 positionedunder the saw track 26. Once in this secured position, which is securedby a point (the bench dog 33 under the saw track 26) and a plane (theforward surface of the connection member 176 and narrow rip stops 34),the saw track 26 is lowered on hinge members 28 thereby clamping thesmall workpiece 42 in place and the saw 40 is slid along the saw track26 thereby cutting the workpiece 42 at the desired length.

Once the cut is performed, the saw track 26 is again raised by the hingemembers 28 and the workpiece 42 is removed. This process may be repeatedfor any number of workpieces 42.

Use Case: Wide Rip Stops Cutting Wide Sheet Materials: With reference toFIG. 74, a workpiece 42 with a cut width (the distance between therearward positioned stop surface and the cutting edge 98) greater thanthe distance between the cutting edge 98 and the rearward edge ofbenchtop 24 is shown. This example is similar to the prior examples, assuch, unless specifically stated otherwise, the teachings of the prioruse case examples apply to and are incorporated into this use caseexample. To facilitate the use of benchtop 24 to make these wide cuts, awide rip stop 36 is used, which extends rearward a distance from therearward edge of benchtop 24 thereby extending the length that aworkpiece 42 may be measured.

To perform this cutting operation, the forward end 190 of arm 186 ofwide rip stop 36 is inserted within the groove 72 in table track 66 andis slid forward. The cut width is measured by aligning the desiredreading on the upper surface of the arm 186 of wide rip stop 36 with themark 204 of the measuring member 78 of table track 66. Once in thisposition, the handle 208 of lock member 206 is rotated downward therebycausing the cam surface 210 to force upward upon the lower surface ofthe arm 186 thereby locking the arm 186 in place within table track 166.

Once the wide rip stop 36 is in the desired position, the workpiece 42is slid under the saw track 26 until the rearward edge of the workpiece42 is engaged with the forward facing stop surface 196 of the head 188of the wide rip stop 36. In addition, where possible, as is shown, theedge of the workpiece 42 opposite the cutting direction is placed inengagement with one or more bench dogs 32, 33 positioned inperpendicular alignment to the cutting edge 98. Once in this securedposition, which is secured by engagement with the bench dogs 32 and thewide rip stop 36, the saw track 26 is lowered on hinge members 28thereby clamping the workpiece 42 in place and the saw 40 is slid alongthe saw track 26 thereby cutting the workpiece 42 at the desired length.

Once the cut is performed, the saw track 26 is again raised by the hingemembers 28 and the workpiece 42 is removed. This process may be repeatedfor any number of workpieces 42.

Use Case: Wide Rip Stops Cutting Wide Sheet Materials With Support: Thisexample is similar to the prior examples, as such, unless specificallystated otherwise, the teachings of the prior use case examples apply toand are incorporated into this use case example. With reference to FIG.75, a similar arrangement is presented to that shown in FIG. 74, howeverin this arrangement, the lateral width of the workpiece allows for theuse of two wide rip stops 36 and the use of a stand 286 to support thelarge workpiece 42. All other aspects remain the same or similar to thatpresented with respect to FIG. 75.

Use Case: Miter Gauge Cutting At An Angle: This example is similar tothe prior examples, as such, unless specifically stated otherwise, theteachings of the prior use case examples apply to and are incorporatedinto this use case example. With reference to FIG. 85, miter gauge 38 isshown in use with benchtop 24 to facilitate cutting workpiece 42 at anangle. In this arrangement, miter gauge 38 is attached to benchtop 24 byaligning the ears 224 of base 218 with two bench dog holes 60 inbenchtop 24 and inserting bench dogs 32 therein. Once the miter gauge 38is attached to the benchtop 24, the angle of the cut is set by rotatingthe guide 220 upon base 218 until the desired angle is achieved, as isindicated by indicator 246 and measuring indicia 234, at which point thelock member 236 is tightened and the angle of the guide 220 is locked inplace. Once the angle is set, the depth of cut is set by sliding thestop member 264 along the length of the stop arm 254 until the desiredposition is achieved, at which point the fastener 276 is tightened andthe stop member 264 is locked in place.

Next, the workpiece 42 is slid under the saw track 26 and the edgeopposite the cutting direction is placed along the stop surface 258 ofthe stop arm 254 and the workpiece 42 is slid rearward until the edge ofthe workpiece 42 engages the stop member 264. Once in this position, theworkpiece 42 is ready to be cut. Notably, in this position, the forwardend of the stop arm 254 extends under the saw track 26. This providesoptimum alignment to the workpiece 42 up to the cutting edge 98. Thecutting operation is performed in the manner described herein.

A similar arrangement is presented with reference to FIG. 86, however inthis arrangement, the miter gauge 38 is positioned at a perpendicularalignment to the cutting edge 98 of saw track 26.

A similar arrangement is presented with reference to FIG. 87, however inthis arrangement, the forward end of stop arm 254 does not extend underthe saw track 26. In addition, in the arrangement shown in FIG. 87 themiter gauge 38 attaches to table track 66 and is slid to the desiredposition along the length of table track 66.

Use Case: Installation and Calibration of Miter Gauge to Benchtop:

With reference to FIG. 88, as one example, one manner or method ofcalibrating the miter gauge 38 to the features of benchtop 24 (such astable tracks 66, edge tracks 54 and the grid of bench dog holes 60) ispresented.

In this example, miter gauge 38 is calibrated to the saw track 26 andbenchtop 24 by first inserting the head 280 of fasteners 238 into thecenter-positioned groove 72 of table track 66 and sliding the mitergauge 38 onto the benchtop 24. Two or more bench dogs 32 are insertedinto bench dog holes 60 in benchtop 24 that are positioned at aforty-five degree angle from one another. Next, the miter gauge 38 isslid along table track 66 until the stop surface 258 of stop arm 254engages the two or more bench dogs 32. As the stop surface 258 of stoparm 254 engages the bench dogs 32 the guide 220 is allowed to rotate onthe pivot point formed by opening 228 and fastener 230 that connectsguide 220 and base 218. By engaging the bench dogs 32 positioned at aforty-five degree angle and allowing guide 220 to rotate with respect tobase 218 allows miter gauge 38 to assume a forty-five degree angle. Thatis, in this way, miter gauge 38 is being calibrated to the on-tablefeatures of benchtop 24 (which in this case are two bench dogs 32 placedin bench dog holes 60 of benchtop 24).

In this position, the guide 220 is positioned at a forty-five degreeangle to the saw track 26 and the other features of the benchtop 24.Calibration of the miter gauge 38 to the benchtop 24 for other angles isaccomplished by loosening the fastener 252 in slot 250 of arm 244 whichallows for relative movement of indicator 246. Once fastener 252 isloosened, the indicator 246 is adjusted by sliding fastener 252 alongslot 250 until the pointer 248 precisely points to the forty-five degreeangle mark on measuring indicia 234. Once pointer 248 precisely pointsto the forty-five degree angle mark on measuring indicia 234, fastener252 is again tightened thereby locking pointer 248 in place.

In this way, the miter gauge 38 is precisely calibrated to the featuresof benchtop 24. Once calibrated, as the guide 220 is rotated withrespect to the base 218 the pointer 248 will precisely point to theangle at which the guide 220 is positioned as is indicated on theangular measuring indicia 234. Once calibrated, miter gauge 38 may bepositioned at practically any angle with respect to benchtop 24 and sawtrack 26. The miter gauge 38 may also be slid infinitely along the tabletracks 66 to any position. In addition, the forward end of arm 244 maybe positioned under saw track 26 to ensure that the angle of workpiece42 is supported as close to the cutting edge 98 as possible to ensureoptimum accuracy.

Notably, miter gauge 38 may be calibrated at any other angle besidesforty-five degrees using the same or a similar process as is describedherein. In addition, when the miter gauge 38 is removed from benchtop 24and table tracks 66 and later reinstalled, the calibration of mitergauge 38 may be quickly and easily checked by setting the miter gauge 38to a forty-five degree angle and dropping two bench dogs 32 into benchdog holes 60 at a forty-five degree angle. If the miter gauge 38 readstrue, no adjustment is needed. Alternatively, if the miter gauge 38 isoff, adjustment is simply, quickly and easily made in the mannersdescribed herein.

Brackets:

In one arrangement, system 10 includes brackets 288. Brackets 288 areformed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured tofacilitate constructing an extended benchtop surface 290 for system 10.With reference to FIGS. 89, 90 and 91, in the arrangement shown, as oneexample, brackets 288 include a center plate 292 that is generally flatand planar in shape that extends between a forward surface 294 and arearward surface 296. The rearward surface 296 includes a protrusion 298that extends from side to side across center plate 292. This protrusion298 is configured to be received within groove 58 of edge tracks 54. Therearward surface 296 of bracket 288 includes a plurality of supportmembers 300 that extend rearward a distance therefrom. These verticalsupport members 300 terminate in an upper edge 302 that is configured toengage the bottom surface of the edge track 54 when bracket 288 isinstalled upon edge track 54.

The forward surface 294 of bracket 288 includes a plurality of supportmembers 304 that extend forward a distance therefrom. These verticalsupport members 304 terminate in an upper edge 306 that in onearrangement and manner of use is configured to engage the bottom surfaceof a sheet of material when bracket 288 is installed upon edge track 54that extends the upper surface of benchtop 24. That is, the uppersurface 306 of support members 304 is stepped below the upper surface ofbenchtop 24 approximately the thickness of a standard sheet of material,such as ¾ of an inch or any other standard thickness. In this way, whenbrackets 288 are installed on edge tracks 54, a standard thickness sheetof material may be placed on top of the upper surface of the supportmembers 304 which will serve as a seamless extension of the benchtop 24.Also, in one arrangement, the height and width of the support members304 are spaced apart so as to receive a conventional board, such as a2×4 therein. In one arrangement, when a board is positioned within thepocket formed by opposing support members 304 the upper surface of theboard may be flush with the upper surface of benchtop 24, however inalternative arrangements the top surface of the board may be proud of orrecessed to the upper surface benchtop 24. In one arrangement, whenboards, such as 2×4s are placed within the pockets formed betweenopposing support members 304, the top surface of these boards arepositioned a distance below the top surface of benchtop 24 so as tofacilitate reception of a standard thickness of a sheet of material(such as ¾ of an inch) so as to allow the upper surface of the sheetmaterial placed on top of these boards to be flush with, or justslightly recessed to, the upper surface of the benchtop 24. Also, in thearrangement shown, support members 304 include an opening 308 that isconfigured to receive a fastener, such as a screw or bolt, or the like,that is configured to affix the plank or board to the bracket 288between support members 304. Similarly, the center plate 292 includes apair of openings 310 that are configured to receive fasteners thatattach brackets 288 to edge tracks 54, in the same or a similar mannerto that discussed with respect to lock member 206.

Brackets 288 may be configured to themselves stand flush with, proud of,or recessed to the top surface of benchtop 24. Similarly, brackets 288may be configured such that when a board, such as a 2×4, or a sheet ofmaterial, such as a ¾ inch sheet of plywood, is held by brackets 288,the upper surface of these components may be flush with, proud or, orrecessed to the top surface of benchtop 24.

With reference to FIGS. 100-103 an alternative arrangement of brackets288 is presented. This arrangement is similar to the arrangementpresented above, as such, unless specifically stated otherwise, theteachings of the prior arrangement apply to and are incorporated intoarrangement. In this arrangement, brackets 288 include a pair ofopposing sidewalls 328 that extend in approximate parallel spacedrelation to one another. The lower end of sidewalls 328 connect tocenter wall 330 that extends between the opposing sidewalls 328 andconnects their lower ends. In the arrangement shown, as one example,center wall 330 extends in approximate perpendicular alignment tosidewalls 328. In the arrangement shown, as one example a rear wall 332extends between opposing sidewalls 328 and connects adjacent sidewalls328 at their rearward side.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, a pair of arms 334 areconnected to the upper end of sidewalls 328 and extends upward andoutward therefrom in approximate perpendicular alignment to the planeformed by sidewalls 328. The upper end of arms 334 include a lockfeature 336 that is configured to engage and lock to grove 58 in edgetrack 54 of benchtop 24.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, with reference to FIGS. 101and 102, brackets 288 are installed at any position along the length ofedge tracks 54 by aligning lock feature 336 of brackets 288 at an angleto edge tracks 54 such that the center wall 330 is slightly raised orrotated forward away from edge track 54. At this angle, the upper end oflock feature 336 may be inserted into groove 58 of edge track 54. Oncethe upper end of lock feature 336 is inserted into groove 58 of edgetrack 54, the lower end of brackets 288 may be rotated downward until afully installed position is achieved, which is shown in FIG. 103.

In this fully installed position, as is shown in FIG. 103, the rearwardportion of sidewalls 328 engages the lower surface of edge tracks 54 andthe rearward surface of arms engage the forward surface of edge tracks54 while the lock feature 336 is locked within groove 58 of edge tracks54. This provides a strong, durable and rigid, yet removable, connectionbetween brackets 288 and edge tracks 54.

Center wall 330 includes an opening 338 that is approximately centrallypositioned within center wall 330 between opposing sidewalls 328. Athreaded member 340 is connected to the lower side of opening 338 andreceives the threaded shaft 342 of an adjustment member 344. In onearrangement, threaded member 340 is essentially a threaded nut attachedto the lower side of center wall 330 which is centered upon opening 338.In one arrangement, threaded member 340 is welded to center wall 330.Adjustment member 344 includes a knob 346 positioned at the lower end ofthreaded shaft 340 that is configured to facilitate user impartedrotation upon adjustment member 344 to raise or lower adjustment member344. Adjustment member 344 includes a support member 348 positioned atthe upper end of threaded shaft 342 that is configured to engage andsupport the lower end a support board, such as a 2×4, placed withinbetween the sidewalls 328 of brackets 288. In the arrangement shown, asone example, support member 348 has a generally cylindrical and flatupper surface with a single centralized point extending upwardtherefrom. This flat circular shape with a centralized point isconfigured to receive, hold and support a board, such as a 2×4, whileallowing for rotation of threaded shaft 342 to adjust the height ofsupport member 348.

In use, brackets 288 are attached to edge tracks 54 and brackets 288 areattached to the groove 58 of edge tracks 54 in the desired positions.Next, the ends of support boards, such as 2×4s are placed within theopening within brackets 288 between opposing sidewalls 328, center wall330 and rear wall 332. In this position, the lower end of the supportboard rests upon the upper surface of support member 348 therein and thepoint of support member 348 digs into the material of the support boardthereby helping to hold it in place within bracket 288. Next, the useradjusts the height of the adjustment member 344 until the upper surfaceof the support board is at the desired position relative to the uppersurface of benchtop 24. This vertical adjustment is accomplished by userapplied rotation of knob 346 which rotates threaded shaft 342 whichmoves vertically within bracket 288 by way of the threaded engagementwith threaded member 340. In the arrangement shown in FIG. 100 thebracket 288 to the right has a support member 348 in a raised positionwhereas the bracket 288 to the left has a support member 348 in alowered position. Once the desired vertical position is achieved, theuser may then pass screws or bolts or other fasteners through openings350 in the sidewalls 328 of brackets 288 thereby securing the ends ofsupport boards within brackets 288.

In this way, a convenient, easy to install, easy to adjust, strong,rigid, and durable bracket 288 is presented that is infinitelyadjustable laterally as well as vertically and can be used withpractically any support board.

Other Uses of Benchtop:

Benchtop 24 may be used for countless other purposes in addition tothose shown and described herein. As one example, with reference to FIG.91, benchtop 24 may be used to assemble and clamp face frames using abench clamp 312, and stops 314, both of which utilize bench dog holes60.

Wheels & Stand:

In one arrangement, to facilitate easy portability and storage, benchtop24 includes a pair of wheels 316 and a stand 318. Wheels 316 and stand318 may be formed of any suitable size, shape and design and areconfigured to allow the benchtop 24 to be rolled around on the wheels316 to facilitate easy transport, and stand 318 is configured tofacilitate vertical storage of the benchtop 24 so as to reduce thestorage space requirements. In the arrangement shown, as on example,wheels 316 and stand 318 are connected to benchtop 24 by a pair ofbraces 320 and stand 318 moves between an extended position, wherein thestand 318 extends above the benchtop 24 so as to operate as a stand, anda retracted position, wherein stand 318 is positioned below the benchtop24 and is out of the way so as to allow use of the benchtop 24.

From the above discussion it will be appreciated that the adaptivecutting system 10 and related methods of use, presented herein improvesupon the state of the art.

Specifically, the adaptive cutting system 10 and related methods of usepresented: is safe to use; is efficient to use; is relativelyinexpensive; is capable of making long straight cuts; can be used to cutboth large and small pieces easily and; is accurate; is efficient;provides precise alignment; can be used with workpieces with a widerange of thicknesses; is easy to learn how to use; is relatively smallin size and shape; provides the benefits of a circular saw and a tablesaw in a single device; holds workpieces in a firm and rigid manner; iseasy to set up; is easy to take down; is formed of a minimum number ofparts; is simple to use; is easier to use than prior art systems; isunique; provides new capabilities to existing tools; can be used with areplaceable benchtop; is high quality; has a robust design; has a longuseful life; provides accurate and clean cuts; helps prevent chiptear-out; is durable; saves time; is fun to use; can be used withworkpieces of practically any material; is easily portable and can beused on a job site; makes it easier to measure for cuts; makes measuringmore repeatable than prior art systems; reduces or eliminates the needfor a helper when making cuts; provides support for both sides of theworkpiece after a cut, among countless other advantages andimprovements.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other variousmodifications could be made to the device without parting from thespirit and scope of this disclosure. All such modifications and changesfall within the scope of the claims and are intended to be coveredthereby.

1. An adaptive cutting system, comprising: a benchtop; the benchtop having one or more bench dog holes; a saw track; the saw track extending a length between opposing ends; the saw track having a cutting edge; a pair of end plates; the pair of end plates configured to operably connect to the benchtop; the pair of end plates configured to operably connect to the saw track; wherein the pair of end plates are configured to be vertically adjustable between a raised position and a lowered position to accommodate workpieces of varying thickness; the saw track configured to receive and guide a saw; an alignment member; the alignment member having an alignment edge; wherein the alignment member is configured to connect to at least one of the one or more bench dog holes; at least one groove positioned in the benchtop; wherein the at least one groove is configured to receive tools and accessories for use during a cutting operation.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the saw track is configured to be connected to and removed from the pair of end plates.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the pair of end plates are configured to be connected to and removed from the benchtop.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the pair of end plates are configured to operably engage a lower surface of the saw track so as to facilitate connection of the saw track to the pair of end plates.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the pair of end plates are configured to operably engage a groove in a lower surface of the saw track so as to facilitate connection of the saw track to the pair of end plates.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the pair of end plates are configured to be connected to a side of the benchtop.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the pair of end plates have a slot therein that receives a fastener, wherein the fastener and slot are configured to facilitate attachment of the end plate to the benchtop as well as facilitate vertical adjustment and tightening.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more bench dog holes includes at least two of the one or more bench dog holes positioned along a first line extending approximately perpendicular to the saw track; wherein the one or more bench dog holes includes at least two of the one or more bench dog holes positioned along a second line extending at approximately a 45 degree angle relative to the saw track.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the alignment member is connected to at least two of the one or more bench dog holes.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the alignment edge of the alignment member is fixed in an angular alignment when the alignment member is connected to the at least one of the one or more bench dog holes.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the alignment edge of the alignment member is angularly adjustable when the alignment member is connected to at least one of the one or more bench dog holes.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the alignment edge of the alignment member is adjustable when the alignment member is connected to at least one of the at least one or more bench dog holes.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the alignment edge of the alignment member is aligned approximately parallel to the cutting edge of the saw track when the alignment member is connected to the at least one of the one or more bench dog holes.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein the alignment edge of the alignment member is aligned approximately perpendicular to the cutting edge of the saw track when the alignment member is connected to the at least one of the one or more bench dog holes.
 15. The system of claim 1, wherein the alignment edge of the alignment member is aligned at an angled approximately 45 degrees relative to the cutting edge of the saw track when the alignment member is connected to the at least one of the one or more bench dog holes.
 16. The system of claim 1, wherein the pair of end plates are configured to operably connect to the saw track by a hinged connection.
 17. The system of claim 1, wherein the alignment member is a miter gauge.
 18. The system of claim 1, wherein the alignment member is a bench dog.
 19. The system of claim 1, the system further comprising at least one edge track connected to the benchtop, wherein the at least one edge track extends along at least one of a front side, a back side, a left side, and a right side of the benchtop.
 20. The system of claim 1, wherein the pair of end plates are configured to be vertically adjustable, and locked in place at, an infinite number of positions to facilitate adjustment of the saw track to accommodate workpieces of varying thickness.
 21. The system of claim 1, wherein the pair of end plates are configured to be laterally adjustable, and locked in place at, an infinite number of positions to facilitate alignment of the cutting edge of the saw track to the benchtop.
 22. The system of claim 1, further comprising a biasing member associated with each of the end plates wherein each biasing member is configured to apply a bias force to its respective end plate so as to take up slack and optimize accuracy.
 23. The system of claim 1, further comprising a pair of biasing members; wherein the biasing members are positioned alongside the pair of end plates; wherein each of the biasing members are configured to apply a lateral bias force to a respective one of the pair of end plates to reduce variance in the lateral position of the pair of end plates.
 24. The system of claim 1, further comprising a pair of biasing members; wherein the biasing members are positioned alongside the pair of end plates; wherein each of the biasing members includes one or more flexible arms configured to apply a lateral bias force to a respective one of the pair of end plates to reduce variance in the lateral position of the pair of end plates.
 25. An adaptive cutting system, comprising: a benchtop; the benchtop having a top side, a front side, a back side, a left side, and a right side; the benchtop having one or more bench dog holes; a saw track; the saw track extending a length between opposing ends; the saw track having a cutting edge; the saw track configured to receive and guide a saw; a pair of end plates; the pair of end plates configured to operably connect to the saw track; the pair of end plates configured to operably connect to the benchtop; an alignment member; the alignment member having an alignment edge; the alignment member configured to connect to at least one of the one or more bench dog holes wherein the pair of end plates are configured to be vertically adjustable, and locked in place at, an infinite number of positions to facilitate adjustment of the saw track to accommodate workpieces of varying thickness; at least one groove positioned in the benchtop; wherein the at least one groove is configured to receive tools and accessories for use during a cutting operation.
 26. The system of claim 25, wherein the pair of end plates are configured to be laterally adjustable, and locked in place at, an infinite number of positions to facilitate alignment of the cutting edge of the saw track to the benchtop.
 27. The system of claim 25, wherein the saw track is configured to be connected to and removed from the pair of end plates.
 28. The system of claim 25, wherein the pair of end plates are configured to be connected to and removed from the benchtop.
 29. The system of claim 25, wherein the pair of end plates are configured to operably engage a lower surface of the saw track so as to facilitate connection of the saw track to the pair of end plates.
 30. The system of claim 25, wherein the pair of end plates are configured to operably engage a groove in a lower surface of the saw track so as to facilitate connection of the saw track to the pair of end plates.
 31. The system of claim 25, wherein the pair of end plates are configured to be connected to a side of the benchtop.
 32. The system of claim 25, wherein each of the pair of end plates have a slot therein that receives a fastener, wherein the fastener and slot are configured to facilitate attachment of the end plate to the benchtop as well as facilitate vertical adjustment and tightening.
 33. The system of claim 25, wherein the one or more bench dog holes includes at least two of the one or more bench dog holes positioned along a first line extending approximately perpendicular to the saw track; wherein the one or more bench dog holes includes at least two of the one or more bench dog holes positioned along a second line extending at approximately a 45 degree angle relative to the saw track.
 34. The system of claim 25, wherein the alignment member is connected to at least two of the one or more bench dog holes.
 35. The system of claim 25, wherein the alignment edge of the alignment member is fixed in an angular alignment when the alignment member is connected to the at least one of the one or more bench dog holes.
 36. The system of claim 25, wherein the alignment edge of the alignment member is angularly adjustable when the alignment member is connected to at least one of the one or more bench dog holes.
 37. The system of claim 25, wherein the alignment edge of the alignment member is adjustable when the alignment member is connected to at least one of the at least one or more bench dog holes.
 38. The system of claim 25, wherein the alignment edge of the alignment member is aligned approximately parallel to the cutting edge of the saw track when the alignment member is connected to the at least one of the one or more bench dog holes.
 39. The system of claim 25, wherein the alignment member is a miter gauge.
 40. The system of claim 25, wherein the alignment member is a bench dog.
 41. The system of claim 25, the system further comprising at least one edge track connected to the benchtop, wherein the at least one edge track extends along at least one of the front side, the back side, the left side, and the right side of the benchtop.
 42. The system of claim 25, further comprising a biasing member associated with each of the end plates wherein each biasing member is configured to apply a bias force to its respective end plate so as to take up slack and optimize accuracy.
 43. The system of claim 25, further comprising a pair of biasing members; wherein the biasing members are positioned alongside the pair of end plates; wherein each of the biasing members are configured to apply a lateral bias force to a respective one of the pair of end plates to reduce variance in the lateral position of the pair of end plates.
 44. The system of claim 25, further comprising a pair of biasing members; wherein the biasing members are positioned alongside the pair of end plates; wherein each of the biasing members includes one or more flexible arms configured to apply a lateral bias force to a respective one of the pair of end plates to reduce variance in the lateral position of the pair of end plates.
 45. An adaptive cutting system, comprising: a benchtop; the benchtop having a top side, a front side, a back side, a left side, and a right side; the benchtop having one or more bench dog holes; a saw track; the saw track extending a length between opposing ends; the saw track having a cutting edge; the saw track operatively connected to the benchtop adjacent the left side of the benchtop by a first end plate; the saw track operatively connected to the benchtop adjacent the right side of the benchtop by a second end plate; the saw track configured to receive and guide a saw; wherein the saw track is configured to be vertically adjusted between a raised position and a lowered position to accommodate workpieces of varying thickness; an alignment member; the alignment member having an alignment edge; the alignment member configured to connect to one or more bench dog holes. 